As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2016
File No. 333-191940
File No. 811-22906
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Under the SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 | ¨ | |
Pre-Effective Amendment No. | ¨ | |
Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 | x |
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Under the INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 | ¨ | |
Amendment No. 29 | x |
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Area Code and Telephone Number: (800) 243-1574
101 Munson Street
Greenfield, Massachusetts 01301
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Jennifer Fromm, Esq.
Senior Counsel
Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.
100 Pearl St.
Hartford, Connecticut 06103
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copies of All Correspondence to:
David C. Mahaffey, Esq.
Sullivan & Worcester LLP
1666 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
¨ immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
x on February 29, 2016 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
¨ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
¨ on [date] or at such later date as the Commission shall order pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
¨ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
¨ on [date] pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.
If appropriate, check the following box:
¨ | this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment. |
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TICKER SYMBOL BY CLASS
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FUND
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A
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C
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I
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Class R6
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Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund
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VAIAX
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VAICX
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VAIIX
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Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
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VSAIX
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VSICX
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VIASX
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Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
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VATAX
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VATCX
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VATIX
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VATRX
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Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund
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VCOAX
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VCOCX
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VCOIX
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VRCOX
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Virtus Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
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VMSAX
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VCMSX
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VMSIX
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Virtus Select MLP and Energy Fund
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VLPAX
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VLPCX
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VLPIX
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Virtus Strategic Income Fund
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VASBX
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VSBCX
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VISBX
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TRUST NAME
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February
29, 2016
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VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TRUST
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The Securities and Exchange Commission, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and the state securities commissions have not approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. This prospectus contains important information that you should know before investing in Virtus Mutual Funds. Please read it carefully and retain it for future reference.
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Not FDIC Insured
No Bank Guarantee
May Lose Value
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FUND SUMMARY
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Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund
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Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
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Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
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Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund
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Virtus Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
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Virtus Select MLP and Energy Fund
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Virtus Strategic Income Fund
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MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FUND EXPENSES
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MORE INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
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Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund
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Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
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Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
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Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund
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Virtus Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
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Virtus Select MLP and Energy Fund
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Virtus Strategic Income Fund
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MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RISKS RELATED TO PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
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RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES AND
FUND OPERATIONS
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PRICING OF FUND SHARES
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SALES CHARGES
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YOUR ACCOUNT
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HOW TO BUY SHARES
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HOW TO SELL SHARES
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THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW WHEN SELLING SHARES
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ACCOUNT POLICIES
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INVESTOR SERVICES AND OTHER INFORMATION
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TAX STATUS OF DISTRIBUTIONS
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
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Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
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Class A
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Class C
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Class I
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Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
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5.75%
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None
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None
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Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)
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None
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1.00%
(a)
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None
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Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value
of your investment)
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Class A
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Class C
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Class I
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Management Fees
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1.80%
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1.80%
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1.80%
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Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees
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0.25%
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1.00%
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None
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Other Expenses
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Dividend and Interest Expenses on Short Sales
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0.14%
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0.14%
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0.14%
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Remaining Other Expenses
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1.53%
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1.53%
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1.53%
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Total Other Expenses
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1.67%
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1.67%
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1.67%
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Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
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0.01%
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0.01%
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0.01%
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(b)
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3.73%
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4.48%
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3.48%
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Less: Expense Reimbursement
(c)
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(1.13)%
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(1.13)%
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(1.13)%
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Expense Reimbursement
(b)
(c)
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2.60%
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3.35%
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2.35%
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Share Status
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1 Year
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3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
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Class A
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Sold or Held
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$823
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$1,552
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$2,300
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$4,254
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Class C
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Sold
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$438
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$1,253
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$2,178
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$4,533
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Held
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$338
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$1,253
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$2,178
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$4,533
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Class I
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Sold or Held
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$238
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$963
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$1,711
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$3,682
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Best Quarter:
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Q1/2015:
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1.32%
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Worst Quarter:
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Q3/2015:
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-8.93%
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1 Year
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Since
Inception
(4/23/14)
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Class A
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Return Before Taxes
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-16.26%
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-10.63%
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Return After Taxes on Distributions
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-17.80%
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-12.16%
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Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
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-9.08%
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-8.59%
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Class C
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Return Before Taxes
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-11.86%
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-8.14%
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Class I
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Return Before Taxes
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-10.91%
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-7.22%
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HFRX Fixed Income Credit Index (reflects no deduction of fees, expenses or taxes)
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-4.38%
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-4.88%
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Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
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Class A
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Class C
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Class I
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Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
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5.75%
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None
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None
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Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)
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None
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1.00%
(a)
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None
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Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value
of your investment)
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Class A
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Class C
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Class I
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---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Management Fees
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1.75%
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1.75%
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1.75%
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Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees
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0.25%
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1.00%
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None
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Other Expenses
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Dividend and Interest Expenses on Short Sales
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0.20%
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0.20%
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0.20%
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Remaining Other Expenses
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1.81%
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1.81%
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1.81%
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Total Other Expenses
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2.01%
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2.01%
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2.01%
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Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
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0.01%
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0.01%
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0.01%
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(b)
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4.02%
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4.77%
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3.77%
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Less: Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement
(c)
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(1.41)%
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(1.41)%
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(1.41)%
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Expense Reimbursement
(b)
(c)
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2.61%
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3.36%
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2.36%
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Share Status
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1 Year
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3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
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Class A
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Sold or Held
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$824
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$1,607
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$2,406
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$4,473
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Class C
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Sold
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$439
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$1,311
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$2,287
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$4,748
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Held
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$339
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$1,311
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$2,287
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$4,748
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Class I
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Sold or Held
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$239
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$1,023
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$1,825
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$3,921
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Best Quarter:
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Q1/2015:
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0.20%
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Worst Quarter:
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Q3/2015:
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-7.60%
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1 Year
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Since
Inception
(4/23/14)
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Class A
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Return Before Taxes
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-15.97%
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-10.12%
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Return After Taxes on Distributions
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-16.12%
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-10.24%
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Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
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-8.96%
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-7.66%
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Class C
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Return Before Taxes
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-11.54%
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-7.66%
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Class I
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Return Before Taxes
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-10.64%
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-6.73%
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Barclays U.S. 10 year Breakeven Inflation Benchmark Index (reflects no deduction of fees, expenses or taxes)
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-2.06%
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-4.70%
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Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
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Class A
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Class C
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Class I
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Class R6
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Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
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5.75%
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None
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None
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None
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Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)
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None
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1.00%
(a)
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None
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None
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Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a
percentage of the value of your investment)
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Class A
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Class C
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Class I
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Class R6
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Management Fees
(b)
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2.02%
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2.02%
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2.02%
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2.02%
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Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees
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0.25%
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1.00%
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None
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None
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Other Expenses
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Dividend and Interest
Expense
on Short Sales
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0.29%
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0.29%
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0.29%
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0.29%
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Remaining Other Expenses
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1.14%
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1.14%
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1.14%
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1.10%
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Total Other Expenses
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1.43%
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1.43%
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1.43%
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1.39%
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Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
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0.04%
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0.04%
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0.04%
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0.04%
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(c)
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3.74%
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4.49%
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3.49%
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3.45%
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Less: Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement
(d)
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(0.74)%
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(0.74)%
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(0.74)%
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(0.74)%
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Expense Reimbursement
(c)
(d)
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3.00%
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3.75%
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2.75%
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2.71%
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Share Status
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1 Year
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3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
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---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Class A
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Sold or Held
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$861
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$1,589
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$2,335
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$4,286
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Class C
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Sold
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$477
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$1,291
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$2,214
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$4,564
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Held
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$377
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$1,291
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$2,214
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$4,564
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Class I
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Sold or Held
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$274
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$991
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$1,730
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$3,681
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Class R6 Shares
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Sold or Held
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$270
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$987
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$1,727
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$3,678
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Best Quarter:
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Q1/2015:
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1.82%
|
|
|
Worst Quarter:
|
|
|
Q3/2015:
|
|
|
-5.03%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
Since
Inception
Class A, C
and I
(4/23/14)
|
|
|
Since
Inception
Class R6
(11/19/14)
|
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Class A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Return Before Taxes
|
|
|
-11.40%
|
|
|
-6.68%
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Return After Taxes on Distributions
|
|
|
-12.94%
|
|
|
-7.99%
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
|
|
|
-6.30%
|
|
|
-5.57%
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
||
|
Return Before Taxes
|
|
|
-6.65%
|
|
|
-4.04%
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
||
|
Return Before Taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Class R6
|
|
|
-5.70%
|
|
|
-3.10%
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Return Before Taxes
|
|
|
-5.69%
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
-5.75%
|
|
|
HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index (reflects no deduction of fees, expenses or taxes)
|
|
|
-3.64%
|
|
|
-2.86%
|
|
|
-3.38%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
|
Class R6
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
|
|
|
3.75%
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
1.00%
(a)
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a
percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
|
Class R6
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Management Fees
|
|
|
0.75%
|
|
|
0.75%
|
|
|
0.75%
|
|
|
0.75%
|
|
|
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees
|
|
|
0.25%
|
|
|
1.00%
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Other Expenses
(b)
|
|
|
0.61%
|
|
|
0.61%
|
|
|
0.61%
|
|
|
0.55%
|
|
|
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
|
|
|
0.10%
|
|
|
0.10%
|
|
|
0.10%
|
|
|
0.10%
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(c)
|
|
|
1.71%
|
|
|
2.46%
|
|
|
1.46%
|
|
|
1.40%
|
|
|
Less:
Fee Waiver and/or
Expense Reimbursement
(d)
|
|
|
(0.26)%
|
|
|
(0.26)%
|
|
|
(0.26)%
|
|
|
(0.26)%
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Expense Reimbursement
(c)
(d)
|
|
|
1.45%
|
|
|
2.20%
|
|
|
1.20%
|
|
|
1.14%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share Status
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
3 Years
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
10 Years
|
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Sold or Held
|
|
|
$517
|
|
|
$869
|
|
|
$1,245
|
|
|
$2,298
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
Sold
|
|
|
$323
|
|
|
$742
|
|
|
$1,287
|
|
|
$2,777
|
|
|
Held
|
|
|
$223
|
|
|
$742
|
|
|
$1,287
|
|
|
$2,777
|
|
|||
|
Class I
|
|
|
Sold or Held
|
|
|
$122
|
|
|
$436
|
|
|
$773
|
|
|
$1,724
|
|
|
Class R6
|
|
|
Sold or Held
|
|
|
$116
|
|
|
$418
|
|
|
$741
|
|
|
$1,657
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
|
|
|
5.75%
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
1.00%
(a)
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value
of your investment)
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Management Fees
|
|
|
1.30%
|
|
|
1.30%
|
|
|
1.30%
|
|
|
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees
|
|
|
0.25%
|
|
|
1.00%
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Other Expenses
(b)
|
|
|
0.71%
|
|
|
0.71%
|
|
|
0.71%
|
|
|
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
|
|
|
0.01%
|
|
|
0.01%
|
|
|
0.01%
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(c)
|
|
|
2.27%
|
|
|
3.02%
|
|
|
2.02%
|
|
|
Less: Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement
(d)
|
|
|
(0.46)%
|
|
|
(0.46)%
|
|
|
(0.46)%
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Expense Reimbursement
(c)
(d)
|
|
|
1.81%
|
|
|
2.56%
|
|
|
1.56%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share Status
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
3 Years
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
10 Years
|
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Sold or Held
|
|
|
$748
|
|
|
$1,202
|
|
|
$1,681
|
|
|
$2,997
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
Sold
|
|
|
$359
|
|
|
$890
|
|
|
$1,546
|
|
|
$3,304
|
|
|
Held
|
|
|
$259
|
|
|
$890
|
|
|
$1,546
|
|
|
$3,304
|
|
|||
|
Class I
|
|
|
Sold or Held
|
|
|
$159
|
|
|
$589
|
|
|
$1,046
|
|
|
$2,311
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
|
|
|
5.75%
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
1.00%
(a)
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value
of your investment)
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Management Fees
|
|
|
1.00%
|
|
|
1.00%
|
|
|
1.00%
|
|
|
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees
|
|
|
0.25%
|
|
|
1.00%
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Other Expenses
(b)
|
|
|
1.01%
|
|
|
1.01%
|
|
|
1.01%
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
|
|
|
2.26%
|
|
|
3.01%
|
|
|
2.01%
|
|
|
Less: Expense Reimbursement
(c)
|
|
|
(0.71)%
|
|
|
(0.71)%
|
|
|
(0.71)%
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Expense Reimbursement
(c)
|
|
|
1.55%
|
|
|
2.30%
|
|
|
1.30%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share Status
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
3 Years
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
10 Years
|
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Sold or Held
|
|
|
$724
|
|
|
$1,141
|
|
|
$1,619
|
|
|
$3,334
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
Sold
|
|
|
$333
|
|
|
$827
|
|
|
$1,483
|
|
|
$3,635
|
|
|
Held
|
|
|
$233
|
|
|
$827
|
|
|
$1,483
|
|
|
$3,635
|
|
|||
|
Class I
|
|
|
Sold or Held
|
|
|
$132
|
|
|
$524
|
|
|
$980
|
|
|
$2,678
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
|
|
|
3.75%
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
1.00%
(a)
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value
of your investment)
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Management Fees
|
|
|
0.80%
|
|
|
0.80%
|
|
|
0.80%
|
|
|
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees
|
|
|
0.25%
|
|
|
1.00%
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Other Expenses
(b)
|
|
|
1.37%
|
|
|
1.37%
|
|
|
1.37%
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
|
|
|
2.42%
|
|
|
3.17%
|
|
|
2.17%
|
|
|
Less: Expense Reimbursement
(c)
|
|
|
(1.02)%
|
|
|
(1.02)%
|
|
|
(1.02)%
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(c)
|
|
|
1.40%
|
|
|
2.15%
|
|
|
1.15%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share Status
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
3 Years
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
10 Years
|
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Sold or Held
|
|
|
$512
|
|
|
$1,007
|
|
|
$1,528
|
|
|
$2,953
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
Sold
|
|
|
$318
|
|
|
$882
|
|
|
$1,571
|
|
|
$3,405
|
|
|
Held
|
|
|
$218
|
|
|
$882
|
|
|
$1,571
|
|
|
$3,405
|
|
|||
|
Class I
|
|
|
Sold or Held
|
|
|
$117
|
|
|
$581
|
|
|
$1,071
|
|
|
$2,423
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter:
|
|
|
Q1/2015:
|
|
|
2.64%
|
|
|
Worst Quarter:
|
|
|
Q3/2015:
|
|
|
-2.13%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
Since
Inception
(9/8/14)
|
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Class A
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Return Before Taxes
|
|
|
-2.31%
|
|
|
-3.08%
|
|
|
Return After Taxes on Distributions
|
|
|
-3.81%
|
|
|
-4.55%
|
|
|
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
|
|
|
-1.30%
|
|
|
-2.99%
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Return Before Taxes
|
|
|
0.74%
|
|
|
-0.95%
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Return Before Taxes
|
|
|
1.76%
|
|
|
0.04%
|
|
|
BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Dollar 3-Month LIBOR Constant Maturity Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
|
|
|
0.23%
|
|
|
0.23%
|
|
|
Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction of fees, expenses or taxes)
|
|
|
0.55%
|
|
|
1.63%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A Shares
|
|
|
Class C Shares
|
|
|
Class I Shares
|
|
|
Class R6
Shares
|
|
|
Through Date
|
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
2.45%
|
|
|
3.20%
|
|
|
2.20%
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
March
1, 2017
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
2.40%
|
|
|
3.15%
|
|
|
2.15%
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
March
1, 2017
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
2.60%
|
|
|
3.35%
|
|
|
2.35%
|
|
|
2.34%
|
|
|
March
1, 2017
|
|
|
Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
1.35%
|
|
|
2.10%
|
|
|
1.10%
|
|
|
1.04%
|
|
|
March
1,
2017
|
|
|
Virtus Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
|
|
|
1.80%
|
|
|
2.55%
|
|
|
1.55%
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
March
1,
2017
|
|
|
Virtus Select MLP and Energy Fund
|
|
|
1.55%
|
|
|
2.30%
|
|
|
1.30%
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
March
1,
2017
|
|
|
Virtus Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
1.40%
|
|
|
2.15%
|
|
|
1.15%
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
March
1, 2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A Shares
|
|
|
Class C Shares
|
|
|
Class I Shares
|
|
|
Class R6 Shares
|
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
2.60%
|
|
|
3.35%
|
|
|
2.35%
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
2.61%
|
|
|
3.36%
|
|
|
2.36%
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
3.01%
|
|
|
3.76%
|
|
|
2.76%
|
|
|
2.74%
|
|
|
Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
1.45%
|
|
|
2.20%
|
|
|
1.20%
|
|
|
1.14%
|
|
|
Virtus Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
|
|
|
1.94%
|
|
|
2.69%
|
|
|
1.69%
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
Virtus Select MLP and Energy Fund
|
|
|
1.55%
|
|
|
2.30%
|
|
|
1.30%
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
Virtus Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
1.40%
|
|
|
2.14%
|
|
|
1.14%
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Risks
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
Virtus Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
|
|
|
Virtus Select MLP and Energy Fund
|
|
|
Virtus Strategic Income Fund
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Allocation
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Commodity and Commodity-Linked Instruments
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Commodity Pool
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Contingent Convertible Securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Convertible Securities
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
Counterparty
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
Debt Securities
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
Call
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
Credit
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
Interest Rate
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
Insolvency and Bankruptcy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Depositary Receipts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Derivatives
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
Energy Industry Concentration
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Equity Securities
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
Large Market Capitalization Companies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Small and Medium Market Capitalization Companies
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
||
|
Exchange-Traded Funds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
||||
|
Foreign Currency Transactions
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
||
|
Foreign Investing
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
Currency Rate
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
Emerging Market Investing
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
High Yield-High Risk Securities (Junk Bonds)
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
Income
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
Inflation-Linked Securities
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Infrastructure-Related Investments
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Leverage
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
Liquidity
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
||
|
Market Volatility
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
Master Limited Partnership
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|||
|
MLP Affiliate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Mortgage Backed and Asset-Backed Securities
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Risks
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
Virtus Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
|
|
|
Virtus Select MLP and Energy Fund
|
|
|
Virtus Strategic Income Fund
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Multi-Manager Approach
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Natural Resources
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
New Fund
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Diversification
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Turnover
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Preferred Stocks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|||||
|
Real Estate
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
REIT and REOC Securities
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
RIC Compliance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Sector Focused Investing
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Short Sales
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
||
|
Short-Term Investments
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
Structured Products
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Subsidiary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Tax
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
U.S. Government Securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
Strategy
|
|
|
Strategy Subadviser(s)
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
Long/Short Credit
|
|
|
Brigade Capital Management,
LP
(“Brigade”)
ICE Canyon LLC (“ICE Canyon”)
MAST Capital Management, LLC
(“MAST”)
|
|
|
Master Limited Partnership
|
|
|
Harvest Fund Advisors LLC (“Harvest”)
|
|
|||
|
Real Estate
|
|
|
LaSalle Investment Management
Securities, LLC (“LaSalle”)
|
|
|||
|
Global Income
|
|
|
Lazard Asset Management LLC
(“Lazard”)
|
|
|||
|
Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
Commodity
|
|
|
Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC
(“Credit Suisse”)
|
|
|
Infrastructure
|
|
|
Lazard
|
|
|||
|
Master Limited Partnership
|
|
|
Harvest
|
|
|||
|
Real Estate
|
|
|
LaSalle
|
|
|||
|
Long/Short Credit
|
|
|
Brigade,
Fischer, Francis, Trees & Watts, Inc.
("FFTW")
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
Strategy
|
|
|
Strategy Subadviser(s)
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
Convertible Arbitrage
|
|
|
Lazard
|
|
|
Global Macro
|
|
|
Graham Capital Management, L.P. (“Graham”)
|
|
|||
|
Long/Short Equity
|
|
|
Ascend Capital, LLC (“Ascend”)
|
|
|||
|
Long/Short Credit
|
|
|
Brigade
FFTW
ICE Canyon
MAST
|
|
|||
|
Master Limited Partnership
|
|
|
Harvest
|
|
|||
|
Infrastructure
|
|
|
Lazard
|
|
|||
|
Real Estate
|
|
|
LaSalle
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
Newfleet Asset Management, LLC (“Newfleet”)
|
|
|
Virtus Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
|
|
|
Aviva Investors
Americas
LLC
("AIA")
|
|
|
Virtus Select MLP and Energy Fund
|
|
|
Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. ("Duff & Phelps")
|
|
|
Virtus Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
Newfleet
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
|
|
0.75
|
%
|
|
|
|
Virtus Select MLP and Energy Fund
|
|
|
|
|
1.00
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First $5 billion
|
|
|
$5+ billion
|
|
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
|
|
1.80
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.75
|
%
|
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
|
|
1.75
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.70
|
%
|
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
|
|
1.95
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.90
|
%
|
|
|
|
Virtus Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
|
|
|
|
|
1.30
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.25
|
%
|
|
|
|
Virtus Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
|
|
0.80
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.75
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund
Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
Kathleen Barchick (since April 2014)
Warun Kumar (since May 2014)
Stephen Nesbitt (since April 2014)
Amy Robinson (since April 2014)
Daniel Stern (since April 2014)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
|
|
|
Peter Fizgerald, CFA (since July 2015)
Daniel James (since July 2015)
Ian Pizer, PhD, CFA (since July 2015)
Brendan Walsh, PhD (since November 2015)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
Malcolm Fairbairn (since April 2014)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund
Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
Donald E. Morgan III (since April 2014)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
Christopher Burton (since April 2014)
Nelson Louie (since April 2014)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Select MLP and Energy Fund
|
|
|
Charles J.
Georgas, CFA
(since September 2015)
David D. Grumhaus, Jr. (since September 2015)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
Adnan Akant, PhD (since November 2015)
Cedric Scholtes (since November 2015)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
Pablo Calderini (since April 2014)
Kenneth G. Tropin (since April 2014)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund
Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
Eric Conklin (since April 2014)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund
Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
Nathan Sandler (since April 2014)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund
Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
Stanley
J. Kraska, Jr.
(since April 2014)
Keith
R. Pauley, CFA
(since April 2014)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
Patrick Ryan
(since April 2014)
Ron Temple
(since
February
2016)
Kyle Waldhauer (since April 2014)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
John Mulquiney (since April 2014)
Warryn Robertson (since April 2014)
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
Frank Bianco (since February 2016)
John Mulquiney (since April 2014)
Sean Reynolds (since April 2014)
Warryn Robertson (since April 2014)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund
Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
Peter Reed (since April 2014)
David Steinberg (since April 2014)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
David L. Albrycht (since June 2015)
Edwin
Tai, CFA
(since June 2015)
|
|
|
Virtus Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
David L. Albrycht (since September 2014)
Francesco Ossino (since September 2014)
Jonathan R.
Stanley, CFA
(since September 2014)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Risks
|
|
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
Credit Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
|
|
|
Select MLP and Energy Fund
|
|
|
Strategic Income Fund
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Commodity and Commodity-Linked Instruments
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Cybersecurity
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
Depositary Receipts
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Equity REIT Securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Equity Securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
||||||
|
Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”)
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Foreign Currency Transactions
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Illiquid and Restricted Securities
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
||
|
Money Market Instruments
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Municipal Securities
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Mutual Fund Investing
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|||
|
Operational
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
Preferred Stock
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Private Placements
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Repurchase Agreements
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|||||
|
Securities Lending
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
||||
|
Tax-Exempt Securities
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
U.S. Government Securities
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Variable Rate, Floating Rate and Variable Amount Securities
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Zero Coupon, Step Coupon, Deferred Coupon and PIK Bonds
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
|
Class R6
|
|
||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.00
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.00
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.00
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.00
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
|
|
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.00
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Select MLP and Energy Fund
|
|
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.00
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.00
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales Charge as a percentage of
|
|
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Amount of Transaction at Offering Price
|
|
|
Offering Price
|
|
|
Net Amount Invested
|
|
||||||||
|
Under $50,000
|
|
|
|
|
3.75
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.90
|
%
|
|
|
|
$50,000 but under $100,000
|
|
|
|
|
3.50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.63
|
|
|
|
|
$100,000 but under $250,000
|
|
|
|
|
3.25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.36
|
|
|
|
|
$250,000 but under $500,000
|
|
|
|
|
2.25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.30
|
|
|
|
|
$500,000 but under $1,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
1.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.78
|
|
|
|
|
$1,000,000 or more
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales Charge as a percentage of
|
|
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Amount of Transaction at Offering Price
|
|
|
Offering Price
|
|
|
Net Amount Invested
|
|
||||||||
|
Under $50,000
|
|
|
|
|
5.75
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.10
|
%
|
|
|
|
$50,000 but under $100,000
|
|
|
|
|
4.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.99
|
|
|
|
|
$100,000 but under $250,000
|
|
|
|
|
3.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.90
|
|
|
|
|
$250,000 but under $500,000
|
|
|
|
|
2.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.83
|
|
|
|
|
$500,000 but under $1,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
2.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.04
|
|
|
|
|
$1,000,000 or more
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
2+
|
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CDSC
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount of Transaction at Offering Price
|
|
|
Sales Charge as a
Percentage of Offering
Price
|
|
|
Sales Charge as a
Percentage of Amount
Invested
|
|
|
Dealer Discount as a
Percentage of Offering
Price
|
|
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Under $50,000
|
|
|
|
|
3.75
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.90
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.25
|
%
|
|
|
|
$50,000 but under $100,000
|
|
|
|
|
3.50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.63
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.00
|
|
|
|
|
$100,000 but under $250,000
|
|
|
|
|
3.25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.36
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.75
|
|
|
|
|
$250,000 but under $500,000
|
|
|
|
|
2.25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.00
|
|
|
|
|
$500,000 but under $1,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
1.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.78
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.50
|
|
|
|
|
$1,000,000 or more
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount of Transaction at Offering Price
|
|
|
Sales Charge as a
Percentage of Offering
Price
|
|
|
Sales Charge as a
Percentage of Amount
Invested
|
|
|
Dealer Discount as a
Percentage of Offering
Price
|
|
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Under $50,000
|
|
|
|
|
5.75
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.10
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.00
|
%
|
|
|
|
$50,000 but under $100,000
|
|
|
|
|
4.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.99
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.25
|
|
|
|
|
$100,000 but under $250,000
|
|
|
|
|
3.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.90
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.25
|
|
|
|
|
$250,000 but under $500,000
|
|
|
|
|
2.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.83
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.25
|
|
|
|
|
$500,000 but under $1,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
2.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.04
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.75
|
|
|
|
|
$1,000,000 or more
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
To Open An Account
|
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Through a financial advisor
|
|
|
Contact your advisor. Some advisors may charge a fee and may set different minimum
investments or limitations on buying shares.
|
|
|
Through the mail
|
|
|
Complete a new account application and send it with a check payable to the funds. Mail them
to: Virtus Mutual Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, RI 02940-8074.
|
|
|
Through express delivery
|
|
|
Complete a new account application and send it with a check payable to the funds. Send them
to: Virtus Mutual Funds, 4400 Computer Drive, Westborough, MA 01581-1722.
|
|
|
By Federal Funds wire
|
|
|
Call us at 800-243-1574 (press 1, then 0).
|
|
|
By Systematic Purchase
|
|
|
Complete the appropriate section on the application and send it with your initial investment
payable to the funds. Mail them to: Virtus Mutual Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, RI
02940-8074.
|
|
|
By telephone exchange
|
|
|
Call us at 800-243-1574 (press 1, then 0).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
To Sell Shares
|
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Through a financial advisor
|
|
|
Contact your advisor. Some advisors may charge a fee and may set different minimums on redemptions of accounts.
|
|
|
Through the mail
|
|
|
Send a letter of instruction to: Virtus Mutual Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, RI 02940-8074. Be sure to include the registered owner’s name, fund and account number, and number of shares or dollar value you wish to sell.
|
|
|
Through express delivery
|
|
|
Send a letter of instruction to: Virtus Mutual Funds, 4400 Computer Drive, Westborough, MA 01581-1722. Be sure to include the registered owner’s name, fund and account number, and number of shares or dollar value you wish to sell.
|
|
|
By telephone
|
|
|
For sales up to $50,000, requests can be made by calling 800-243-1574.
|
|
|
By telephone exchange
|
|
|
Call us at 800-243-1574 (press 1, then 0).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
Dividend Paid
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
Quarterly
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
Semiannually
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
Semiannually
|
|
|
Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
Quarterly
|
|
|
Virtus Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
|
|
|
Semiannually
|
|
|
Virtus Select MLP and Energy Fund
|
|
|
Semiannually
|
|
|
Virtus Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
Monthly (Declared Daily)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
|
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)
(1)
|
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
|
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
|
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
|
|
Distributions from Realized
Short-term
and Long-term Gains
|
|
|
Total Distributions
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
|
|
Total Return
(2)
|
|
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
|
|
Ratio of
Net
Expenses (including
dividend expense on
securities sold short, interest expense on securities sold short and borrowings after expense waivers/reimbursements)
to
Average Net Assets
(3)(4)(5)
|
|
|
Ratio of
Total
Expenses (including
dividend expense on
securities sold short, interest expense on securities sold short and borrowings before expense waivers/reimbursements)
to
Average Net Assets
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
| | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Class A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/15
|
|
|
|
$
|
10.03
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.34
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(1.11
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.77
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.28
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.07
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.35
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(1.12
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
8.91
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7.82
|
%)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
772
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.59
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.72
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.58
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
72
|
%
|
|
|
|
10/31/14
(6)
|
|
|
|
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.04
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.14
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.15
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.03
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.82
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
747
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.65
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.76
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.56
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
49
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/15
|
|
|
|
|
10.01
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.27
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.11
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.84
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.21
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.07
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.28
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.12
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.89
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8.48
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
577
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.34
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.48
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.83
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
72
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/14
(6)
|
|
|
|
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.04
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.12
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.13
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.01
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.38
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
387
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.40
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.39
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.81
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
49
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/15
|
|
|
|
|
10.03
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.36
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.10
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.74
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.30
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.07
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.37
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.11
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.92
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7.48
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
37,605
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.34
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.46
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.83
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
72
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/14
(6)
|
|
|
|
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.04
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.19
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.14
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.16
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.03
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.90
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,446
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.43
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.70
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.79
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
49
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
|
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)
(1)
|
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
|
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
|
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
|
|
Distributions from Realized Short-term and Long-term Gains
|
|
|
Total Distributions
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
|
|
Total Return
(2)
|
|
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Expenses (including dividend expense on securities sold short, interest expense securities sold short and borrowings after expense waivers/reimbursements) to Average Net Assets
(3)(4)(5)
|
|
|
Ratio of Total Expenses (including dividend expense on securities sold short, interest expense on securities sold short and borrowings before expense waivers/reimbursements) to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
| | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Class A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/15
|
|
|
|
$
|
10.11
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.02
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.82
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.80
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.82
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
9.29
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7.96
|
%)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
700
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.60
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.01
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.23
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
74
|
%
|
|
|
|
10/31/14
(6)
|
|
|
|
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
(9)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.10
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.69
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.03
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.04
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
31
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/15
|
|
|
|
|
10.08
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.05
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.83
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.88
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.88
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8.64
|
%)
|
|
|
|
|
|
164
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.36
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.76
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.53
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
74
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/14
(6)
|
|
|
|
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.04
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.08
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.80
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
152
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.45
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.88
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.71
|
)
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
31
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/15
|
|
|
|
|
10.12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.82
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.77
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.80
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.32
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7.65
|
%)
|
|
|
|
|
|
29,806
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.36
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.47
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
74
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/14
(6)
|
|
|
|
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.02
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.20
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,293
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.46
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.97
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.29
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
31
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
|
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)
(1)
|
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
|
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
|
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
|
|
Distributions from Realized Short-term and Long-term Gains
|
|
|
Total Distributions
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
|
|
Total Return
(2)
|
|
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Expenses (including dividend expense on securities sold short, interest expense on securities sold short and borrowings after expense waivers/reimbursements) to Average Net Assets
(3)(4)(5)
|
|
|
Ratio of Total Expenses (including dividend expense on securities sold short, interest expense on securities sold short and borrowings before expense waivers/reimbursements) to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
(
10)
|
|
| | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Class A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/15
|
|
|
|
$
|
10.17
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.02
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.34
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.32
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.14
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.16
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.48
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
9.69
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3.07
|
%)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
12,759
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.97
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.75
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
369
|
%
|
|
|
|
10/31/14
(6)
|
|
|
|
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.19
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.70
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,136
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.02
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.93
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.30
|
)
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
195
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/15
|
|
|
|
|
10.13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.05
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.33
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.38
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.14
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.15
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.53
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.60
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3.78
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,113
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.72
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.51
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.51
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
369
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/14
(6)
|
|
|
|
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.06
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.19
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.30
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,325
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.76
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.66
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.04
|
)
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
195
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/15
|
|
|
|
|
10.18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.33
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.28
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.14
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.17
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.45
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.73
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.83
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
78,303
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.72
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.49
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
369
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/14
(6)
|
|
|
|
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
(9)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.80
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
63,900
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.75
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.85
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.04
|
)
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
195
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class R6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/15
(11)
|
|
|
|
|
10.14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.30
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.24
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.14
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.17
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.41
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.73
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.35
|
)
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
98
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.70
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.50
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.68
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
369
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
|
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)
(1)
|
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
|
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
|
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
|
|
Distributions from Realized Short-term and Long-term Gains
|
|
|
Total Distributions
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
|
|
Total Return
(2)
|
|
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Expenses (after expense waivers and reimbursements) to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
Ratio of Total Expenses (before expense waivers and reimbursements) to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Credit Opportunities Fund
|
|
| | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Class A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/15
(12)
|
|
|
|
$
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.06
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.19
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.13
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.04
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.04
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.17
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
9.83
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.29
|
%)
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
99
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.35
|
%
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.77
|
%
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.59
|
%
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
21
|
%
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/15
(12)
|
|
|
|
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.19
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.16
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.18
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.82
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.62
|
)
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
98
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.10
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.52
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.84
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
21
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/15
(12)
|
|
|
|
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.19
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.12
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.05
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.05
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.17
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.83
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.21
|
)
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
149
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.10
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.53
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.84
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
21
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class R6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/15
(12)
|
|
|
|
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.20
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.12
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.05
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.05
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.17
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.83
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.21
|
)
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
96,005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.04
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.52
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.90
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
21
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
|
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)
(1)
|
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
|
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
|
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
|
|
Distributions from Realized Short-term and Long-term Gains
|
|
|
Total Distributions
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
|
|
Total Return
(2)
|
|
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Expenses (after expense waivers and reimbursements) to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
Ratio of Total Expenses (before expense waivers and reimbursements) to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
|
|
| | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Class A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/15
(13)
|
|
|
|
$
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.04
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.06
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.02
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.02
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
10.02
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.20
|
%
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
863
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.80
|
%
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.07
|
%
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.40
|
)%
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
%
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/15
(13)
|
|
|
|
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.06
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.00
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
448
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.55
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.63
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.15
|
)
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/15
(13)
|
|
|
|
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.03
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.30
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
53,325
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.55
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.24
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.15
|
)
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Select MLP and Energy Fund
|
|
| | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Class A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/15
(14)
|
|
|
|
$
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.01
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.22
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.21
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.21
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
9.79
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.10
|
)%
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
102
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.55
|
%
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.70
|
%
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.00
|
%
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
%
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/15
(14)
|
|
|
|
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
(9)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.22
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.22
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.22
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.78
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.20
|
)
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
98
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.30
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.41
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.25
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/15
(14)
|
|
|
|
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.02
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.23
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.21
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.21
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.79
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.10
|
)
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,699
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.30
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.41
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.25
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Strategic Income Fund
|
|
| | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Class A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/15
|
|
|
|
$
|
9.95
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.38
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.20
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.18
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.38
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.38
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.20
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
9.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.91
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,886
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.40
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.42
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.91
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
97
|
%
|
|
|
|
10/31/14
(15)
|
|
|
|
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.06
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.05
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.95
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.33
|
)
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
119
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.40
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.71
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.84
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
83
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/15
|
|
|
|
|
9.95
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.21
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.30
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.30
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.20
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.06
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
337
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
97
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/14
(15)
|
|
|
|
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.02
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.06
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.04
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.05
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.95
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.43
|
)
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
100
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.15
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.85
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.09
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
83
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/15
|
|
|
|
|
9.95
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.41
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.21
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.40
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.40
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.20
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.07
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,496
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.16
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
97
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/14
(15)
|
|
|
|
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.06
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.05
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.95
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.29
|
)
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,721
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.15
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.85
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.09
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
83
|
(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TICKER SYMBOL BY CLASS
|
|
|
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
FUND
|
|
|
A
|
|
|
C
|
|
|
I
|
|
|
R6
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
VAIAX
|
|
|
VAICX
|
|
|
VAIIX
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
VSAIX
|
|
|
VSICX
|
|
|
VIASX
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
VATAX
|
|
|
VATCX
|
|
|
VATIX
|
|
|
VATRX
|
|
|
Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
VCOAX
|
|
|
VCOCX
|
|
|
VCOIX
|
|
|
VRCOX
|
|
|
Virtus Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
|
|
|
VMSAX
|
|
|
VCMSX
|
|
|
VMSIX
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Select MLP and Energy Fund
|
|
|
VLPAX
|
|
|
VLPCX
|
|
|
VLPIX
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
VASBX
|
|
|
VSBCX
|
|
|
VISBX
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PAGE
|
|
|
|
|
|
Glossary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General Information and History
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More Information About Fund Investment Strategies & Related Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Limitations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management of the Trust
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Advisory and Other Services
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution Plans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Managers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investor Account Services and Policies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performance Information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Statements
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Appendix A — Description of Ratings
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1933 Act
|
|
|
The Securities Act of 1933, as amended
|
|
|
1940 Act
|
|
|
The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
|
|
|
ACH
|
|
|
Automated Clearing House, a nationwide electronic money transfer system that provides for the inter-bank clearing of credit and debit transactions and for the exchange of information among participating financial institutions
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
|
The Trust’s administrative agent, Virtus Fund Services, LLC
|
|
|
ADRs
|
|
|
American Depositary Receipts
|
|
|
ADSs
|
|
|
American Depositary Shares
|
|
|
Adviser
|
|
|
The investment adviser to the Funds, Virtus Alternative Investment Advisers, Inc.
|
|
|
AIA
|
|
|
Aviva Investors Americas LLC, subadviser to the Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
|
|
|
AIGSL
|
|
|
Aviva Investors Global Services Limited, participating affiliate of AIA
|
|
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
Alternative Solution Funds
|
|
|
Collectively, Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund, Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund, and Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
Ascend
|
|
|
Ascend Capital, LLC, a subadviser to the Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
Aviva Investors
|
|
|
AIA and AIGSL, collectively
|
|
|
Bank of New York Mellon
|
|
|
The Bank of New York Mellon, the custodian of the Funds’ assets
|
|
|
BNY Mellon
|
|
|
BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., the sub-administrative and accounting agent for the Funds
|
|
|
Board
|
|
|
The Board of Trustees of Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust
(also referred to
herein as the “Trustees”)
|
|
|
Brigade
|
|
|
Brigade Capital Management, LP, a subadviser to the Alternative Solution Funds
|
|
|
CCO
|
|
|
Chief Compliance Officer
|
|
|
CDRs
|
|
|
Continental Depositary Receipts (another name for EDRs)
|
|
|
CDSC
|
|
|
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
|
|
|
CEA
|
|
|
Commodity Exchange Act, which is the U.S. law governing trading in commodity futures
|
|
|
CFTC
|
|
|
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which is the U.S. regulator governing trading in commodity futures
|
|
|
Cliffwater
|
|
|
Cliffwater Investments LLC, a subadviser to the Alternative Solution Funds
|
|
|
Code
|
|
|
The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which is the law governing U.S. federal taxes
|
|
|
Credit Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
Credit Suisse
|
|
|
Credit Suisse Asset Management, a subadviser to the Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
Custodian
|
|
|
The custodian of the Funds’ assets, The Bank of New York Mellon
|
|
|
Distributor
|
|
|
The principal underwriter of shares of the Funds, VP Distributors, LLC
|
|
|
Duff & Phelps
|
|
|
Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co., subadviser to the Select MLP and Energy Fund
|
|
|
EDRs
|
|
|
European Depositary Receipts (another name for CDRs)
|
|
|
ETFs
|
|
|
Exchange-traded Funds
|
|
|
ETNs
|
|
|
Exchange-traded Notes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FFTW
|
|
|
Fischer, Francis, Trees & Watts, Inc., a subadviser to the Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and the Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
FHFA
|
|
|
Federal Housing Finance Agency, an independent Federal agency that regulates FNMA, FHLMC and the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks
|
|
|
FHLMC
|
|
|
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, also known as “Freddie Mac”, which is a government-sponsored corporation formerly owned by the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks and now owned entirely by private stockholders
|
|
|
FINRA
|
|
|
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, a self-regulatory organization with authority over registered broker-dealers operating in the United States, including VP Distributors
|
|
|
Fitch
|
|
|
Fitch Ratings, Inc.
|
|
|
FNMA
|
|
|
Federal National Mortgage Association, also known as “Fannie Mae”, which is a government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders and subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
|
|
|
Funds
|
|
|
The series of the Trust discussed in this SAI
|
|
|
GDRs
|
|
|
Global Depositary Receipts
|
|
|
GICs
|
|
|
Guaranteed Investment Contracts
|
|
|
GNMA
|
|
|
Government National Mortgage Association, also known as “Ginnie Mae”, which is a wholly-owned United States Government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development
|
|
|
Graham
|
|
|
Graham Capital Management, L.P., a subadviser to the Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
Harvest
|
|
|
Harvest Fund Advisors LLC, a subadviser to the Alternative Solutions Funds
|
|
|
ICE Canyon
|
|
|
ICE Canyon LLC, a subadviser to the Alternative Income Solution Fund and the Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
IMF
|
|
|
International Monetary Fund, an international organization seeking to promote international economic cooperation, international trade, employment and exchange rate stability, among other things
|
|
|
Independent Trustees
|
|
|
Trustees
who are not "interested persons" of the Trust, as that term is defined
by the 1940 Act
|
|
|
IRA
|
|
|
Individual Retirement Account
|
|
|
IRS
|
|
|
The United States Internal Revenue Service, which is the arm of the U.S. government that administers and enforces the Code
|
|
|
LaSalle
|
|
|
LaSalle Investment Management Securities, LLC, a subadviser to the Alternative Solutions Funds
|
|
|
Lazard
|
|
|
Lazard Asset Management, LLC, a subadviser to the Alternative Solutions Funds
|
|
|
LIBOR
|
|
|
London Interbank Offering Rate, an interest rate at which banks can borrow funds, in marketable size, from other banks in the London interbank market
|
|
|
MAST
|
|
|
MAST Capital Management, LLC, a subadviser to the Alternative Income Solution Fund and the Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
Moody’s
|
|
|
Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
|
|
|
Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
|
|
|
Virtus Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
|
|
|
NAV
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, which is the per-share price of a Fund
|
|
|
Newfleet
|
|
|
Newfleet Asset Management, LLC, subadviser to the Strategic Income Fund and Credit Opportunities Fund.
|
|
|
NYSE
|
|
|
New York Stock Exchange
|
|
|
OCC
|
|
|
Options Clearing Corporation, a large equity derivatives clearing corporation
|
|
|
PERLS
|
|
|
Principal Exchange Rate Linked Securities
|
|
|
PNX
|
|
|
Phoenix Life Insurance Company, which is the former parent company of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc., and certain of its corporate affiliates
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prospectuses
|
|
|
The prospectuses for the Funds, as amended from time to time
|
|
|
PwC
|
|
|
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust
|
|
|
Regulations
|
|
|
The Treasury Regulations promulgated under the Code
|
|
|
RIC
|
|
|
Regulated Investment Company, a designation under the Code indicating a U.S.-registered investment company meeting the specifications under the Code allowing the investment company to be exempt from paying U.S. federal income taxes
|
|
|
S&P
|
|
|
Standard & Poor’s Corporation
|
|
|
S&P 500
®
Index
|
|
|
The Standard & Poor’s 500
®
Index, which is a free-float market
capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies, calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested
|
|
|
SAI
|
|
|
This Statement of Additional Information
|
|
|
SEC
|
|
|
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
|
|
|
Select MLP and Energy Fund
|
|
|
Virtus Select MLP and Energy Fund
|
|
|
SIFMA
|
|
|
Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (formerly, the Bond Market Association), a financial industry trade group consisting of broker-dealers and asset managers across the United States
|
|
|
SMBS
|
|
|
Stripped Mortgage-backed Securities
|
|
|
Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
Virtus Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
Transfer Agent
|
|
|
The Trust’s transfer agent, Virtus Fund Services, LLC
|
|
|
Trust
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust
|
|
|
VAIA
|
|
|
Virtus Alternative Investment Advisers, Inc., the Adviser to the Funds
|
|
|
Virtus
|
|
|
Virtus Investment Partners, Inc., which is the parent company of the Adviser, Cliffwater, the Distributor, the Administrator/Transfer Agent and Virtus Partners, Inc.
|
|
|
Virtus Fund Services
|
|
|
Virtus Fund Services, LLC, the Administrator/Transfer Agent to the Funds
|
|
|
Virtus Mutual Funds
|
|
|
The family of funds consisting of the Funds, the series of Virtus Equity Trust, the series of Virtus Insight Trust and the series of Virtus Opportunities Trust
|
|
|
VP Distributors
|
|
|
VP Distributors, LLC, the Distributor of shares of the Funds
|
|
|
VVIT
|
|
|
Virtus Variable Insurance Trust, a separate trust consisting of several series advised by Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser, and distributed by VP Distributors
|
|
|
World Bank
|
|
|
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, an international financial institution that provides loans to developing countries for capital programs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
Investment Objective
|
|
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
The fund has an investment objective of maximizing current income while considering capital appreciation.
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
The fund has an investment objective of total return in excess of inflation.
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
The fund has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation through investments that have a low correlation to traditional asset classes.
|
|
|
Credit Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
The fund has an investment objective of seeking long-term total return, which may include investment returns from a combination of sources including capital appreciation and interest income.
|
|
|
Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
|
|
|
The fund has an investment objective of long-term total return.
|
|
|
Select MLP and Energy Fund
|
|
|
The fund has an investment objective of total return with a secondary objective of income.
|
|
|
Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
The fund has an investment objective of seeking total return comprised of income and capital appreciation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Type of Service Provider
|
|
|
Name of Service Provider
|
|
|
Timing of Release of Portfolio Holdings Information
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Adviser
|
|
|
VAIA
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Subadviser (Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund)
|
|
|
AIA
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Subadviser (Alternative
Total
Solution Fund)
|
|
|
Ascend
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Subadviser (Alternative Income Solution Fund, Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Alternative Total Solution Fund)
|
|
|
Brigade
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Subadviser (Alternative Income Solution Fund, Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Alternative Total Solution Fund)
|
|
|
Cliffwater
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Subadviser (Alternative Inflation Solution Fund)
|
|
|
Credit Suisse
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Subadviser (Select MLP and Energy Fund)
|
|
|
Duff & Phelps
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Subadviser (Alternative
Inflation
Solution Fund and Alternative
Total
Solution Fund)
|
|
|
FFTW
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Subadviser (Alternative Total Solution Fund)
|
|
|
Graham
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Subadviser (Alternative Income Solution Fund, Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Alternative Total Solution Fund)
|
|
|
Harvest
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Subadviser (Alternative Income Solution Fund and Alternative Total Solution Fund)
|
|
|
ICE Canyon
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Subadviser (Alternative Income Solution Fund, Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Alternative Total Solution Fund)
|
|
|
LaSalle
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Subadviser (Alternative Income Solution Fund, Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Alternative Total Solution Fund)
|
|
|
Lazard
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Subadviser (Alternative Income Solution Fund and Alternative Total Solution Fund)
|
|
|
MAST
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Subadviser (Credit Opportunities Fund and Strategic Income Fund)
|
|
|
Newfleet
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
|
Virtus Fund Services
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Distributor
|
|
|
VP Distributors
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Type of Service Provider
|
|
|
Name of Service Provider
|
|
|
Timing of Release of Portfolio Holdings Information
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Custodian
|
|
|
Bank of New York Mellon
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Sub-Financial Agent
|
|
|
BNY Mellon
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Risk Reporting Services Provider
|
|
|
Blackrock Financial Management, Inc.
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
|
|
|
PwC
|
|
|
Annual Reporting Period, within 15 business days of end of reporting period
|
|
|
Typesetting and Printing Firm for Financial Reports
|
|
|
RR Donnelley & Sons Co.
|
|
|
Quarterly, within 15 days of end of reporting period
|
|
|
Proxy Voting Service
|
|
|
ISS
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Performance Analytics Firm
|
|
|
FactSet Research Systems, Inc
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Class Action Service Provider
|
|
|
Battea-Class Action Services, LLC
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Backend Compliance Monitoring System
|
|
|
Financial Tracking
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Reconciliation Processing for Ascend (Alternative Total Solution Fund)
|
|
|
Indus Valley Partners (India) Pvt Ltd
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
3rd Party Administrator for Brigade (Alternative Income Solution Fund, Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Alternative Total Solution Fund)
|
|
|
SS&C Technologies
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Employee Compliance Software for Brigade (Alternative Income Solution Fund, Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Alternative Total Solution Fund)
|
|
|
HedgeOp compliance, LLC doing business as Cordium
|
|
|
Weekly
|
|
|
Reconciliation Processing for Credit Suisse (Alternative Inflation Solution Fund)
|
|
|
Citibank N.A.
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
3rd Party Administrator for Graham (Alternative Total Solution Fund)
|
|
|
SEI Global Services, Inc.
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
3rd Party Administrator for Harvest (Alternative Income Solution Fund, Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Alternative Total Solution Fund)
|
|
|
Wells Fargo Prime Services LLC
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Reconciliation Processing for ICE Canyon (Alternative Income Solution Fund and Alternative Total Solution Fund)
|
|
|
Viteos
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Reconciliation Processing for LaSalle (Alternative Income Solution Fund, Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Alternative Total Solution Fund)
|
|
|
Electra Information Systems, Inc.
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
3rd Party Administrator for Lazard (Alternative Income Solution Fund, Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Alternative Total Solution Fund)
|
|
|
State Street Investment Manager Services
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
Risk and Order Management System for Lazard (Alternative Income Solution Fund, Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Alternative Total Solution Fund)
|
|
|
Kynex
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
3rd Party Administrator for AIA
(Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund)
|
|
|
JP Morgan
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Type of Service Provider
|
|
|
Name of Service Provider
|
|
|
Timing of Release of Portfolio Holdings Information
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Risk Management System for AIA
(Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund)
|
|
|
Cognity
|
|
|
Daily, with no delay
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Type of Service Provider
|
|
|
Name of Service Provider
|
|
|
Timing of Release of Portfolio Holdings Information
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Portfolio Redistribution Firms
|
|
|
Bloomberg, Standard & Poor’s and Thomson Reuters
|
|
|
Quarterly, 60 days after fiscal quarter end
|
|
|
Rating Agencies
|
|
|
Lipper Inc. and Morningstar
|
|
|
Quarterly, 60 days after fiscal quarter end
|
|
|
Virtus Public Web site
|
|
|
Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.
|
|
|
Quarterly, 60 days after fiscal quarter end
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trust
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
Class/Shares
|
|
|||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
A
|
|
|
B
|
|
|
C
|
|
|
I
|
|
|
R6
|
|
|
T
|
|
||||||
|
Virtus Equity Trust
|
|
|
Balanced Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Contrarian Value Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Growth & Income Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Mid-Cap Core Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Mid-Cap Growth Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Quality Large-Cap Value Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Quality Small-Cap Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Small-Cap Core Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Small-Cap Sustainable Growth Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Strategic Growth Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Tactical Allocation Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Virtus Insight Trust
|
|
|
Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
||
|
Low Duration Income Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Tax-Exempt Bond Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trust
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
Class/Shares
|
|
|||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
A
|
|
|
B
|
|
|
C
|
|
|
I
|
|
|
R6
|
|
|
T
|
|
||||||
|
Virtus Opportunities Trust
|
|
|
Alternatives Diversifier Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Bond Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Emerging Markets Debt Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Equity Trend Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Essential Resources Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Foreign Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Global Infrastructure Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Global Equity Trend Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Global Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Global Real Estate Securities Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Greater European Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Herzfeld Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
High Yield Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
International Equity Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
International Real Estate Securities Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
International Small-Cap Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
International Wealth Masters Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Low Volatility Equity Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Multi-Asset Trend Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
||||
|
Real Estate Securities Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Sector Trend Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Senior Floating Rate Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Wealth Masters Fund
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Technique
|
|
|
Description and Risks
|
|
|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Commodities-Related Investing
|
|
|
Commodity-related companies may underperform the stock market as a whole. The value of securities issued by commodity-related companies may be affected by factors affecting a particular industry or commodity. The operations and financial performance of commodity-related companies may be directly affected by commodity prices, especially those commodity-related companies that own the underlying commodity. The stock prices of such companies may also experience greater price volatility than other types of common stocks. Securities issued by commodity-related companies are sensitive to changes in the supply and demand for, and thus the prices of, commodities. Volatility of commodity prices, which may lead to a reduction in production or supply, may also negatively impact the performance of commodity and natural resources companies that are solely involved in the transportation, processing, storing, distribution or marketing of commodities. Volatility of commodity prices may also make it more difficult for commodity-related companies to raise capital to the extent the market perceives that their performance may be directly or indirectly tied to commodity prices.
Certain types of commodities instruments (such as commodity-linked notes) are subject to the risk that the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or will be unable to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument.
Exposure to commodities and commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. No active trading market may exist for certain commodities investments, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the full value of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such investments. In addition, adverse market conditions may impair the liquidity of actively traded commodities investments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt Investing
|
|
|
Each Fund may invest in debt, or fixed income, securities. Debt, or fixed income, securities (which include corporate bonds, commercial paper, debentures, notes, government securities, municipal obligations, state- or state agency-issued obligations, obligations of foreign issuers,
asset- or
mortgage-backed securities, and other
obligations) are used by issuers to borrow money and thus are debt obligations of the issuer. Holders of debt securities are creditors of the issuer, normally ranking ahead of holders of both common and preferred stock as to dividends or upon liquidation. The issuer usually pays a fixed, variable, or floating rate of interest and must repay the amount borrowed at the security’s maturity. Some debt securities, such as zero-coupon securities (discussed below), do not pay interest but may be sold at a deep discount from their face value.
Yields on debt securities depend on a variety of factors, including the general conditions of the money, bond, and note markets, the size of a particular offering, the maturity date of the obligation, and the rating of the issue. Debt securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields and are generally subject to greater price fluctuations in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Technique
|
|
|
Description and Risks
|
|
|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
response to changes in market conditions than obligations with shorter maturities. An increase in interest rates generally will reduce the market value of portfolio debt securities, while a decline in interest rates generally will increase the value of the same securities. The achievement of a Fund’s investment objective depends in part on the continuing ability of the issuers of the debt securities in which the Fund invests to meet their obligations for the payment of principal and interest when due. Obligations of issuers of debt securities are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency, sovereign immunity, and other laws that affect the rights and remedies of creditors. There is also the possibility that, as a result of litigation or other conditions, the ability of an issuer to pay, when due, the principal of and interest on its debt securities may be materially affected.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Convertible Securities
|
|
|
A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, or other security that entitles the holder to acquire common stock or other equity securities of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specific price or formula. It generally entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued until the security matures or is redeemed, converted, or exchanged. Convertible securities may have several unique investment characteristics such as (1) higher yields than common stocks, but lower yields than comparable nonconvertible securities, (2) a lesser degree of fluctuation in value
than
the
underlying stock since they have fixed income characteristics and
(3) the
potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the
underlying common stock increases.
Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible debt securities. Convertible securities often rank senior to common stock in a corporation’s capital structure and, therefore, are often viewed as entailing less risk than the corporation’s common stock, although the extent to which this is true depends in large measure on the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed income security. However, because convertible securities are often viewed by the issuer as future common stock, they are often subordinated to other senior securities and therefore are rated one category lower than the issuer’s
nonconvertible
debt obligations or preferred stock.
A convertible security may be subject to redemption or conversion at the option of the issuer at a predetermined price. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund could be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security and convert it to the underlying common stock. The Fund generally would invest in convertible securities for their favorable price characteristics and total return potential, and would normally not exercise an option to convert. The Fund might be more willing to convert such securities to common stock.
A Fund’s subadviser will select only those convertible securities for which it believes (a) the underlying common stock is a suitable investment for the Fund and (b) a greater potential for total return exists by purchasing the convertible security because of its higher yield and/or favorable market valuation. However, the Fund may invest in convertible debt securities rated less than investment grade. Debt securities rated less than investment grade are commonly referred to as “junk bonds.” (For information about debt securities rated less than investment grade, see “High Yield-High Risk (Junk Bonds) Securities” under “Debt Investing” in this section of the SAI; for additional information about ratings on debt obligations, see Appendix A to this SAI.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate Debt Securities
|
|
|
Each Fund may invest in debt securities issued by corporations, limited partnerships and other similar entities. A Fund’s investments in debt securities of domestic or foreign corporate issuers include bonds,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Technique
|
|
|
Description and Risks
|
|
|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
debentures, notes and other similar corporate debt instruments, including convertible securities that meet the Fund’s minimum ratings criteria or if unrated are, in the Fund’s subadviser’s opinion, comparable in quality to corporate debt securities that meet those criteria. The rate of return or return of principal on some debt obligations may be linked or indexed to the level of exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and a foreign currency or currencies or to the value of commodities, such as gold.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Dollar-denominated Foreign Debt Securities (“Yankee Bonds”)
|
|
|
Each Fund may invest in “Yankee bonds”, which are dollar-denominated instruments issued in the U.S. market by foreign branches of U.S. banks and U.S. branches of foreign banks. Since these instruments are dollar-denominated, they are not affected by variations in currency exchange rates. They are influenced primarily by interest rate levels in the United States and by the financial condition of the issuer, or of the issuer’s foreign parent. However, investing in these instruments may present a greater degree of risk than investing in domestic securities, due to less publicly available information, less securities regulation, war or expropriation. Special considerations may include higher brokerage costs and thinner trading markets. Investments in foreign countries could be affected by other factors including extended settlement periods. (See “Foreign Investing” in this section of the SAI for additional information about investing in foreign countries.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Duration
|
|
|
Duration is a time measure of a bond’s interest-rate sensitivity, based on the weighted average of the time periods over which a bond’s cash flows accrue to the bondholder. Time periods are weighted by multiplying by the present value of its cash flow divided by the bond’s price. (A bond’s cash flows consist of coupon payments and repayment of capital.) A bond’s duration will almost always be shorter than its maturity, with the exception of zero-coupon bonds, for which maturity and duration are equal.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange-Traded Notes (ETNs)
|
|
|
Generally, ETNs are senior, unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities whose returns are linked to the performance of a particular market benchmark or strategy minus applicable fees. ETNs are traded on an exchange during normal trading hours. However, investors can also hold the ETN until maturity. At maturity, the issuer pays to the investor a cash amount equal to the principal amount, subject to the day’s market benchmark or strategy factor.
ETNs do not make periodic coupon payments or provide principal protection. ETNs are subject to credit risk, and the value of the ETN may drop due to a downgrade in the issuer’s credit rating, despite the underlying market benchmark or strategy remaining unchanged. The value of an ETN may also be influenced by time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying assets, changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuer’s credit rating, and economic, legal, political, or geographic events that affect the referenced underlying asset. When a Fund invests in ETNs it will bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses borne by the ETN. The Fund’s decision to sell its ETN holdings may be limited by the availability of a secondary market. In addition, although an ETN may be listed on an exchange, the issuer may not be required to maintain the listing, and there can be no assurance that a secondary market will exist for an ETN.
ETNs are also subject to tax risk. No assurance can be given that the IRS will accept, or a court will uphold, how a Fund characterizes and treats ETNs for tax purposes. Further, the IRS and Congress are considering proposals that would change the timing and character of income and gains from ETNs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Technique
|
|
|
Description and Risks
|
|
|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
An ETN that is tied to a specific market benchmark or strategy may not be able to replicate and maintain exactly the composition and relative weighting of securities, commodities or other components in the applicable market benchmark or strategy. Some ETNs that use leverage can, at times, be relatively illiquid and, thus, they may be difficult to purchase or sell at a fair price. Leveraged ETNs are subject to the same risks as other instruments that use leverage in any form.
The market value of
ETNs
may differ from that of their market
benchmark or strategy. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for
ETNs
at any point in
time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the securities, commodities or other components underlying the market benchmark or strategy that the ETN seeks to track. As a result, there may be times when an ETN
trades at a premium or discount to
its market benchmark or strategy.
|
|
|
|
||
|
High-Yield, High-Risk Fixed Income Securities
(“Junk
Bonds”)
|
|
|
Investments in securities rated “BB” or below by S&P or Fitch, or “Ba” or below by Moody’s generally provide greater income (leading to the name “high-yield” securities) and opportunity for capital appreciation than investments in higher quality securities, but they also typically entail greater price volatility, liquidity, and principal and income risk. These securities are regarded as predominantly speculative as to the issuer’s continuing ability to meet principal and interest payment obligations. Analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of lower-quality debt securities may be more complex than for issuers of higher-quality debt securities.
Interest-bearing securities typically experience appreciation when interest rates decline and depreciation when interest rates rise. The market values of low-rated securities tend to reflect individual corporate developments to a greater extent than do higher-rated securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. Low-rated securities also tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions than higher-rated securities. As a result, they generally involve more credit risks than securities in the higher-rated categories. During an economic downturn or a sustained period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers of low-rated securities may experience financial stress and may not have sufficient revenues to meet their payment obligations. The issuer’s ability to service its debt obligations may also be adversely affected by specific corporate developments, the issuer’s inability to meet specific projected business forecasts or the unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss due to default by an issuer of low-rated securities is generally considered to be significantly greater than issuers of higher-rated securities because such securities are usually unsecured and are often subordinated to other creditors. Further, if the issuer of a low-rated security defaulted, the applicable Fund might incur additional expenses in seeking recovery. Periods of economic uncertainty and changes would also generally result in increased volatility in the market prices of low-rated securities and thus in the applicable Fund’s NAV.
Low-rated securities often contain redemption, call or prepayment provisions which permit the issuer of the securities containing such provisions to, at its discretion, redeem the securities. During periods of falling interest rates, issuers of low-rated securities are likely to redeem or prepay the securities and refinance them with debt securities with a lower interest rate. To the extent an issuer is able to refinance the securities or otherwise redeem them, the applicable Fund may have to replace the securities with a lower yielding security which would result in lower returns for the Fund.
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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A Fund may have difficulty disposing of certain low-rated securities because there may be a thin trading market for such securities. Because not all dealers maintain markets in all low-rated securities, there is no established retail secondary market for many of these securities. The Funds anticipate that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of dealers or institutional investors. To the extent a secondary trading market does exist, it is generally not as liquid as the secondary market for higher-rated securities. The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on the market price of the security, and accordingly, the NAV of a particular Fund and its ability to dispose of particular securities when necessary to meet its liquidity needs, or in response to a specific economic event, or an event such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer. The lack of a liquid secondary market for certain securities may also make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing its respective portfolio. Market quotations are generally available on many low-rated issues only from a limited number of dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids of such dealers or prices for actual sales. During periods of thin trading, the spread between bid and asked prices is likely to increase significantly. In addition, adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of low-rated securities, especially in a thinly-traded market. If a Fund experiences unexpected net redemptions, it may be forced to liquidate a portion of its portfolio securities without regard to their investment merits. Due to the limited liquidity of low-rated securities, the Fund may be forced to liquidate these securities at a substantial discount. Any such liquidation would reduce the Fund’s asset base over which expenses could be allocated and could result in a reduced rate of return for the Fund.
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Interest Rate Environment Risk
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In the wake of the financial crisis that began in 2007, the Federal Reserve System attempted to stabilize the U.S. economy and support the U.S. economic recovery by keeping the federal funds rate at or near zero percent. In addition, the Federal Reserve has purchased large quantities of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities on the open market (the “quantitative easing program”).
The Federal Reserve has since
increased the federal funds rate as of December
2015, however, the
United States
continues to experience
historically low interest rate
levels. A low interest rate environment may have an adverse impact on each Fund’s ability to provide a positive yield to its shareholders and pay expenses out of Fund assets because of the low yields from the Fund’s portfolio investments.
However, continued economic recovery and the cessation of the
quantitative easing program increase the risk that interest rates will rise in the near future and that the Funds will face a heightened level of interest rate risk. Federal Reserve policy changes may expose fixed-income and related markets to heightened volatility and may reduce liquidity for certain Fund investments, which could cause the value of a Fund’s investments and a Fund’s share price to decline or create difficulties for the Fund in disposing of investments. A Fund that invests in derivatives tied to fixed-income markets may be more substantially exposed to these risks than a Fund that does not invest in derivatives. A Fund could also be forced to liquidate its investments at disadvantageous times or prices, thereby adversely affecting the Fund. To the extent a Fund experiences high redemptions because of these policy changes, the Fund may experience increased portfolio turnover, which will increase the costs that the Fund incurs and lower the Fund’s performance.
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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Inverse Floating Rate Obligations
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Certain variable rate securities pay interest at a rate that varies inversely to prevailing short-term interest rates (sometimes referred to as inverse floaters). For example, upon reset the interest rate payable on a security may go down when the underlying index has risen. During periods when short-term interest rates are relatively low as compared to long-term interest rates, the Fund may attempt to enhance its yield by purchasing inverse floaters. Certain inverse floaters may have an interest rate reset mechanism that multiplies the effects of changes in the underlying index. While this form of leverage may increase the security’s yield, it may also increase the volatility of the security’s market value.
Similar to other variable and floating rate obligations, effective use of inverse floaters requires skills different from those needed to select most portfolio securities. If movements in interest rates are incorrectly anticipated, a Fund holding these instruments could lose money and its NAV could decline.
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Letters of Credit
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Debt obligations, including municipal obligations, certificates of participation, commercial paper and other short-term obligations, may be backed by an irrevocable letter of credit of a bank that assumes the obligation for payment of principal and interest in the event of default by the issuer. Only banks that, in the opinion of the relevant Fund’s subadviser, are of investment quality comparable to other permitted investments of the Fund may be used for Letter of Credit-backed investments.
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Loan and Debt Participations and Assignments
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A loan participation agreement involves the purchase of a share of a loan made by a bank to a company in return for a corresponding share of the borrower’s principal and interest payments. Loan participations of the type in which the Fund may invest include interests in both secured and unsecured corporate loans. When a Fund purchases loan assignments from lenders, it will acquire direct rights against the borrower, but these rights and the Fund’s obligations may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assignment lender. The principal credit risk associated with acquiring loan participation and assignment interests is the credit risk associated with the underlying corporate borrower. There is also a risk that there may not be a readily available market for participation loan interests and, in some cases, this could result in the Fund disposing of such securities at a substantial discount from face value or holding such securities until maturity.
In the event that a corporate borrower failed to pay its scheduled interest or principal payments on participations held by the Fund, the market value of the affected participation would decline, resulting in a loss of value of such investment to the Fund. Accordingly, such participations are speculative and may result in the income level and net assets of the Fund being reduced. Moreover, loan participation agreements generally limit the right of a participant to resell its interest in the loan to a third party and, as a result, loan participations may be deemed by the Fund to be illiquid investments. A Fund will invest only in participations with respect to borrowers whose creditworthiness is, or is determined by the Fund’s subadviser to be, substantially equivalent to that of issuers whose senior unsubordinated debt securities are rated B or higher by Moody’s or S&P. For the purposes of diversification and/or concentration calculations, both the borrower and issuer will be considered an “issuer.”
The Funds may purchase from banks participation interests in all or part of specific holdings of debt obligations. Each participation interest is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of the selling bank that the relevant Fund’s subadviser has determined meets the prescribed quality standards of the Fund. Thus, even if the credit of
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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the issuer of the debt obligation does not meet the quality standards of the Fund, the credit of the selling bank will.
Loan participations and assignments may be illiquid and therefore subject to the Funds’ limitations on investments in illiquid securities. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)
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Municipal Securities and Related Investments
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Tax-exempt municipal securities are debt obligations issued by the various states and their subdivisions (e.g., cities, counties, towns, and school districts) to raise funds, generally for various public improvements requiring long-term capital investment. Purposes for which tax-exempt bonds are issued include flood control, airports, bridges and highways, housing, medical facilities, schools, mass transportation and power, water or sewage plants, as well as others. Tax-exempt bonds also are occasionally issued to retire outstanding obligations, to obtain funds for operating expenses or to loan to other public or, in some cases, private sector organizations or to individuals.
Yields on municipal securities are dependent on a variety of factors, including the general conditions of the money market and the municipal bond market, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligations and the rating of the issue. Municipal securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields and are generally subject to potentially greater capital appreciation and depreciation than obligations with shorter maturities and lower yields. The market prices of municipal securities usually vary, depending upon available yields. An increase in interest rates will generally reduce the value of portfolio investments, and a decline in interest rates will generally increase the value of portfolio investments. The ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective is also dependent on the continuing ability of the issuers of municipal securities in which the Fund invests to meet their obligations for the payment of interest and principal when due. The ratings of Moody’s and
S&P
represent their opinions as to
the quality of municipal securities which they undertake to rate. Ratings are not absolute standards of quality; consequently, municipal securities with the same maturity, coupon, and rating may have different yields. There are variations in municipal securities, both within a particular classification and between classifications, depending on numerous factors. It should also be pointed out that, unlike other types of investments, municipal securities have traditionally not been subject to regulation by, or registration with, the SEC, although there have been proposals which would provide for such regulation in the future.
The federal bankruptcy statutes relating to the debts of political subdivisions and authorities of states of the United States provide that, in certain circumstances, such subdivisions or authorities may be authorized to initiate bankruptcy proceedings without prior notice to or consent of creditors, which proceedings could result in material and adverse changes in the rights of holders of their obligations.
Lawsuits challenging the validity under state constitutions of present systems of financing public education have been initiated or adjusted in a number of states, and legislation has been introduced to effect changes in public school financing in some states. In other instances there have been lawsuits challenging the issuance of pollution control revenue bonds or the validity of their issuance under state or federal law which could ultimately affect the validity of those municipal securities or the tax-free nature of the interest thereon.
Descriptions of some of the municipal securities and related investment types most commonly acquired by the Funds are provided below. In addition to those shown, other types of municipal investments are, or may become, available for investment by the Funds. For the purpose of each Fund’s investment restrictions set forth in this SAI, the identification of the “issuer” of a municipal security
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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which is not a general obligation bond is made by the applicable Fund’s subadviser on the basis of the characteristics of the obligation, the most significant of which is the source of funds for the payment of principal and interest on such security.
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Municipal Bonds
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Municipal bonds, which meet longer-term capital needs and generally have maturities of more than one year when issued, have two principal classifications: general obligation bonds and revenue bonds. Another type of municipal bond is referred to as an industrial development bond.
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General Obligation
Bonds
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Issuers of general obligation bonds include states, counties, cities, towns, and regional districts. The proceeds of these obligations are used to fund a wide range of public projects, including construction or improvement of schools, highways and roads, and water and sewer systems. The basic security behind general obligation bonds is the issuer’s pledge of its full faith and credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. The taxes that can be levied for the payment of debt service may be limited or unlimited as to the rate or amount of special assessments.
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Industrial
Development Bonds
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Industrial development bonds, which are considered municipal bonds if the interest paid is exempt from Federal income tax, are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to raise money to finance various privately operated facilities for business and manufacturing, housing, sports arenas and pollution control. These bonds are also used to finance public facilities such as airports, mass transit systems, ports and parking. The payment of the principal and interest on such bonds is dependent solely on the ability of the facility’s user to meet its financial obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal property so financed as security for such payment.
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Revenue Bonds
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The principal security for a revenue bond is generally the net revenues derived from a particular facility, group of facilities, or, in some cases, the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source. Revenue bonds are issued to finance a wide variety of capital projects including: electric, gas, water and sewer systems; highways, bridges, and tunnels; port and airport facilities; colleges and universities; and hospitals. Although the principal security behind these bonds may vary, many provide additional security in the form of a debt service reserve fund whose money may be used to make principal and interest payments on the issuer’s obligations. Housing finance authorities have a wide range of security; including partially or fully insured mortgages, rent subsidized and/or collateralized mortgages, and/or the net revenues from housing or other public projects. Some authorities provide further security in the form of a state’s ability (without obligation) to make up deficiencies in the debt service reserve fund.
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Municipal Leases
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Each Fund may acquire participations in lease obligations or installment purchase contract obligations (hereinafter collectively called “lease obligations”) of municipal authorities or entities. Although lease obligations do not constitute general obligations of the municipality for which the municipality’s taxing power is pledged, a lease obligation may be backed by the municipality’s covenant to budget for, appropriate, and make the payments due under the lease obligation. However, certain lease obligations contain “non-appropriation” clauses which provide that the municipality has no obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for such purpose on a yearly basis. In addition to the “non-appropriation” risk, these securities represent a relatively new type of financing that has not yet developed the depth of marketability associated with more conventional bonds. In the case of a “non-appropriation” lease, the Fund’s ability to recover
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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under the lease in the event of non-appropriation or default will be limited solely to the repossession of the leased property in the event foreclosure might prove difficult. The Fund’s subadviser will evaluate the credit quality of a municipal lease and whether it will be considered liquid. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Investments” in this section of the SAI for information regarding the implications of these investments being considered illiquid.)
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Municipal Notes
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Municipal notes generally are used to provide for short-term working capital needs and generally have maturities of one year or less. Municipal notes include bond anticipation notes, construction loan notes, revenue anticipation notes and tax anticipation notes.
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Bond Anticipation
Notes
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Bond anticipation notes are issued to provide interim financing until long-term financing can be arranged. In most cases, the long-term bonds then provide the money for the repayment of the notes.
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Construction Loan
Notes
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Construction loan notes are sold to provide construction financing. After successful completion and acceptance, many projects receive permanent financing through FNMA or GNMA.
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Revenue Anticipation
Notes
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Revenue anticipation notes are issued in expectation of receipt of other types of revenue, such as Federal revenues available under Federal revenue sharing programs.
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Tax Anticipation Notes
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Tax anticipation notes are issued to finance working capital needs of municipalities. Generally, they are issued in anticipation of various seasonal tax revenue, such as income, sales, use and business taxes, and are payable from these specific future taxes.
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Tax-Exempt Commercial Paper
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Tax-exempt commercial paper is a short-term obligation with a stated maturity of 365 days or less. It is issued by state and local governments or their agencies to finance seasonal working capital needs or as short-term financing in anticipation of longer-term financing.
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Participation on Creditors’ Committees
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While the Funds do not invest in securities to exercise control over the securities’ issuers, each Fund
may,
from time to
time,
participate on
committees formed by creditors to negotiate with the management of financially troubled issuers of securities held by the Fund. Such participation may subject the relevant Fund to expenses such as legal fees and may
deem
the Fund an “insider” of the issuer for purposes of
the Federal securities laws, and
expose the Fund to material non-
public information of the issuer, and
therefore may restrict the Fund’s
ability to purchase or sell a particular security when it might otherwise desire to do so. Participation by a Fund on such committees also may expose the Fund to potential liabilities under the federal bankruptcy laws or other laws governing the rights of creditors and debtors. A Fund will participate on such committees only when the Fund’s subadviser believes that such participation is necessary or desirable to enforce the Fund’s rights as a creditor or to protect the value of securities held by the Fund.
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Payable in Kind (“PIK”) Bonds
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PIK bonds are obligations which provide that the issuer thereof may, at its option, pay interest on such bonds in cash or “in kind”, which means in the form of additional debt securities. Such securities benefit the issuer by mitigating its need for cash to meet debt service, but also require a higher rate of return to attract investors who are willing to defer receipt of such cash. The Funds will accrue income on such investments for tax and accounting purposes, which is distributable to shareholders and which, because no cash is received at the time of accrual, may require the liquidation of other portfolio securities to satisfy the Funds’ distribution obligations. The market prices of PIK bonds generally are more volatile than the market prices of securities
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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that pay interest periodically, and they are likely to respond to changes in interest rates to a greater degree than would otherwise similar bonds on which regular cash payments of interest are being made.
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Ratings
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The rating or quality of a debt security refers to a rating
agency’s
assessment of the issuer’s creditworthiness, i.e., its ability to pay principal and interest when due. Higher ratings indicate better credit quality, as rated by independent rating organizations such as Moody’s, S&P or Fitch, which publish their ratings on a regular basis. Appendix A provides a description of the various ratings provided for bonds (including convertible bonds), municipal bonds, and commercial paper.
After a Fund purchases a debt security, the rating of that security may be reduced below the minimum rating acceptable for purchase by the Fund. A subsequent downgrade does not require the sale of the security, but the Fund’s subadviser will consider such an event in determining whether to continue to hold the obligation. To the extent that ratings established by Moody’s or S&P may change as a result of changes in such organizations or their rating systems, a Fund will invest in securities which are deemed by the Fund’s subadviser to be of comparable quality to securities whose current ratings render them eligible for purchase by the Fund.
Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments of rated securities. They do not, however, evaluate the market-value risk and therefore may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment. In addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely changes in a rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the condition of the issuer that affect the market value of the security. Consequently, credit ratings are used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality.
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Sovereign Debt
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Each Fund may invest in “sovereign debt,” which is issued or guaranteed by foreign governments (including countries, provinces and municipalities) or their agencies and instrumentalities. Sovereign debt may trade at a substantial discount from face value. The Funds may hold and trade sovereign debt of foreign countries in appropriate circumstances to participate in debt conversion programs. Emerging-market country sovereign debt involves a higher degree of risk than that of developed markets, is generally lower-quality debt, and is considered speculative in nature due, in part, to the extreme and volatile nature of debt burdens in such countries and because emerging market governments can be relatively unstable. The issuer or governmental authorities that control sovereign-debt repayment (“sovereign debtors”) may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due in accordance with the terms of the debt. A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and interest due in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash-flow situation, the extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy towards the IMF, and the political constraints to which the sovereign debtor may be subject. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and others abroad to reduce principal and interest arrearage on their debt. The commitment of these third parties to make such disbursements may be conditioned on the sovereign debtor’s implementation of economic reforms or economic performance and the timely service of the debtor’s obligations. The sovereign debtor’s failure to meet these conditions may cause these third parties to cancel their commitments to provide funds to the sovereign debtor, which may further impair the debtor’s
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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ability or willingness to timely service its debts. In certain instances, the Funds may invest in sovereign debt that is in default as to payments of principal or interest. In the event that the Funds hold non-performing sovereign debt, the Funds may incur additional expenses in connection with any restructuring of the issuer’s obligations or in otherwise enforcing their rights thereunder.
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Brady Bonds
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Each Fund may invest a portion of its assets in certain sovereign debt obligations known as “Brady Bonds.” Brady Bonds are issued under the framework of the Brady Plan, an initiative announced by former U.S. Treasury Secretary Nicholas F. Brady in 1989 as a mechanism for debtor nations to restructure their outstanding external indebtedness. The Brady Plan contemplates, among other things, the debtor nation’s adoption of certain economic reforms and the exchange of commercial bank debt for newly issued bonds. In restructuring its external debt under the Brady Plan framework, a debtor nation negotiates with its existing bank lenders as well as the World Bank or the IMF. The World Bank or IMF supports the restructuring by providing funds pursuant to loan agreements or other arrangements that enable the debtor nation to collateralize the new Brady Bonds or to replenish reserves used to reduce outstanding bank debt. Under these loan agreements or other arrangements with the World Bank or IMF, debtor nations have been required to agree to implement certain domestic monetary and fiscal reforms. The Brady Plan sets forth only general guiding principles for economic reform and debt reduction, emphasizing that solutions must be negotiated on a case-by-case basis between debtor nations and their creditors.
Brady Bonds are often viewed as having three or four valuation components: (i) the collateralized repayment of principal at final maturity; (ii) the collateralized interest payments; (iii) the uncollateralized interest payments; and (iv) any uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity (these uncollateralized amounts constitute the “residual risk”). In light of the residual risk of Brady Bonds and, among other factors, the history of defaults with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of countries issuing Brady Bonds, investments in Brady Bonds can be viewed as speculative.
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Stand-by Commitments
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Each Fund may purchase securities together with the right to resell them to the seller or a third party at an agreed-upon price or yield within specified periods prior to their maturity dates. Such a right to resell is commonly known as a stand-by commitment, and the aggregate price which a Fund pays for securities with a stand-by commitment may increase the cost, and thereby reduce the yield, of the security. The primary purpose of this practice is to permit the Fund to be as fully invested as practicable in municipal securities while preserving the necessary flexibility and liquidity to meet unanticipated redemptions. Stand-by commitments acquired by a Fund are valued at zero in determining the Fund’s NAV. Stand-by commitments involve certain expenses and risks, including the inability of the issuer of the commitment to pay for the securities at the time the commitment is exercised, non-marketability of the commitment, and differences between the maturity of the underlying security and the maturity of the commitment.
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Strip Bonds
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Strip bonds are debt securities that are stripped of their interest (usually by a financial intermediary) after the securities are issued. The market value of these securities generally fluctuates more in response to changes in interest rates than interest-paying securities of comparable maturity.
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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Tender Option Bonds
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Tender option bonds are relatively long-term bonds that are coupled with the option to tender the securities to a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution at periodic intervals and receive the face value of the bond. This investment structure is commonly used as a means of enhancing a security’s liquidity.
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Variable and Floating Rate Obligations
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Each Fund may purchase securities having a floating or variable rate of interest. These securities pay interest at rates that are adjusted periodically according to a specific formula, usually with reference to some interest rate index or market interest rate (the “underlying index”). The floating rate tends to decrease the security’s price sensitivity to changes in interest rates. These securities may carry demand features permitting the holder to demand payment of principal at any time or at specified intervals prior to maturity. Accordingly, as interest rates decrease or increase, the potential for capital appreciation or depreciation is less than for fixed-rate obligations.
In order to most effectively use these investments, a Fund’s subadviser must correctly assess probable movements in interest rates. This involves different skills than those used to select most other portfolio securities. If the Fund’s subadviser incorrectly forecasts such movements, the Fund could be adversely affected by the use of variable or floating rate obligations.
The floating and variable rate obligations that the Funds may purchase include variable rate demand securities. Variable rate demand securities are variable rate securities that have demand features entitling the purchaser to resell the securities to the issuer at an amount approximately equal to amortized cost or the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest, which may be more or less than the price that the Fund paid for them. The interest rate on variable rate demand securities also varies either according to some objective standard, such as an index of short-term, tax-exempt rates, or according to rates set by or on behalf of the issuer.
When a Fund purchases a floating or variable rate demand instrument, the Fund’s subadviser will monitor, on an ongoing basis, the ability of the issuer to pay principal and interest on demand. The Fund’s right to obtain payment at par on a demand instrument could be affected by events occurring between the date the Fund elects to demand payment and the date payment is due that may affect the ability of the issuer of the instrument to make payment when due, except when such demand instrument permits same day settlement. To facilitate settlement, these same day demand instruments may be held in book entry form at a bank other than the Funds’ custodian subject to a sub-custodian agreement between the bank and the Funds’ custodian.
The floating and variable rate obligations that the Funds may purchase also include certificates of participation in such obligations purchased from banks. A certificate of participation gives the Fund an undivided interest in the underlying obligations in the proportion that the Fund’s interest bears to the total principal amount of the obligation. Certain certificates of participation may carry a demand feature that would permit the holder to tender them back to the issuer prior to maturity.
The income received on certificates of participation in tax-exempt municipal obligations constitutes interest from tax-exempt obligations.
Each Fund will limit its purchases of floating and variable rate obligations to those of the same quality as it otherwise is allowed to purchase. Similar to fixed rate debt instruments, variable and floating rate instruments are subject to changes in value based on changes in
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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prevailing market interest rates or changes in the issuer’s creditworthiness.
A floating or variable rate instrument may be subject to a Fund’s percentage limitation on illiquid securities if there is no reliable trading market for the instrument or if the Fund may not demand payment of the principal amount within seven days. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)
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Zero and Deferred Coupon Debt Securities
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Each Fund may invest in debt obligations that do not make any interest payments for a specified period of time prior to maturity (“deferred coupon” bonds) or until maturity (“zero coupon” bonds). The nonpayment of interest on a current basis may result from the bond’s having no stated interest rate, in which case the bond pays only principal at maturity and is normally initially issued at a discount from face value. Alternatively, the bond may provide for a stated rate of interest, but provide that such interest is not payable until maturity, in which case the bond may initially be issued at par. The value to the investor of these types of bonds is represented by the economic accretion either of the difference between the purchase price and the nominal principal amount (if no interest is stated to accrue) or of accrued, unpaid interest during the bond’s life or payment deferral period.
Because deferred and zero coupon bonds do not make interest payments for a certain period of time, they are generally purchased by a Fund at a deep discount and their value fluctuates more in response to interest rate changes than does the value of debt obligations that make current interest payments. The degree of fluctuation with interest rate changes is greater when the deferred period is longer. Therefore, when a Fund invests in zero or deferred coupon bonds, there is a risk that the value of the Fund’s shares may decline more as a result of an increase in interest rates than would be the case if the Fund did not invest in such bonds.
Even though zero and deferred coupon bonds may not pay current interest in cash, each Fund is required to accrue interest income on such investments and to distribute such amounts to shareholders. Thus, a Fund would not be able to purchase income-producing securities to the extent cash is used to pay such distributions, and, therefore, the Fund’s current income could be less than it otherwise would have been. Instead of using cash, the Fund might liquidate investments in order to satisfy these distribution requirements.
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Derivative Investments
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Each Fund may invest in various types of derivatives, which may at times result in significant derivative exposure. A derivative is a financial instrument whose performance is derived from the performance of another asset. Each Fund may invest in derivative instruments including, but not limited to: futures contracts, put options, call options, options on future contracts, options on foreign currencies, swaps, forward contracts, structured investments, and other equity-linked derivatives.
Each Fund may use derivative instruments for hedging (to offset risks associated with an investment, currency exposure, or market conditions) or in pursuit of its investment objective(s) and policies (to seek to enhance returns). When a Fund invests in a derivative, the risks of loss of that derivative may be greater than the derivative’s cost. No Fund may use any derivative to gain exposure to an asset or class of assets that it would be prohibited by its investment restrictions from purchasing directly. In addition to other considerations, a Fund’s ability to use derivative instruments may be limited by tax considerations. (See “Dividends, Distributions and Taxes” in this SAI.)
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Investment Technique
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Investments in derivatives may subject a Fund to special risks in addition to normal market fluctuations and other risks inherent in investment in securities. For example, a percentage of the Fund’s assets may be segregated to cover its obligations with respect to the derivative investment, which may make it more difficult for the Fund’s subadviser to meet redemption requests or other short-term obligations.
Investments in derivatives in general are also subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Investments in derivatives may not directly correlate with the price movements of the underlying instrument. As a result, the use of derivatives may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. The use of derivatives may result in larger losses or smaller gains than otherwise would be the case.
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Commodity Interests
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Certain of the derivative investment types permitted for the Funds may be considered commodity interests for purposes of the CEA and regulations approved by the CFTC. Investing in commodity interests, outside of certain conditions required to qualify for exemption or exclusion, will cause a Fund to be deemed a commodity pool, thereby subjecting the Fund to regulation under the CEA and CFTC rules. In that event, the Adviser will be registered as a Commodity Pool Operator, the Fund’s applicable subadviser will be registered as a Commodity Trading Adviser, and the Fund will be operated in accordance with CFTC rules. Because of the applicable registration requirements and rules, investing the Fund’s assets in commodity interests could cause the fund to incur additional expenses. Alternatively, to the extent that a Fund limits its exposure to commodity interests in order to qualify for exemption from being considered a commodity pool, the Fund’s use of investment techniques described in its Prospectus and this SAI may be limited or restricted.
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As of the date of this SAI, each Fund
other
than those discussed below
intends to limit
the use of such investment types as required to qualify for exclusion
or
exemption
from being
considered a “commodity pool” or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in commodity interests under such regulations, and each Fund has filed a notice of exclusion under CFTC Regulation 4.5 or exemption under CFTC Regulation
4.13(a)(3); however,
Alternative Total Solution Fund and Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund each intend to be treated as a commodity pool subject to regulation under
the CEA and
CFTC rules, the
Adviser is registered as a Commodity Pool Operator with respect to each of them and the subsidiary of Alternative Total Solution Fund, and certain of the Funds’ subadvisers are registered as Commodity Trading Advisers with respect to the respective Fund.
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Investment Technique
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Credit-linked Notes
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Credit-linked notes are derivative instruments used to transfer credit risk. The performance of the notes is linked to the performance of the underlying reference obligation or reference portfolio (“reference entities”). The notes are usually issued by a special purpose vehicle that sells credit protection through a credit default swap agreement in return for a premium and an obligation to pay the transaction sponsor should a reference entity experience a credit event, such as bankruptcy. The special purpose vehicle invests the proceeds from the notes to cover its contingent obligation. Revenue from the investments and the money received as premium are used to pay interest to note holders. The main risk of credit linked notes is the risk of default to the reference obligation of the credit default swap. Should a default occur, the special purpose vehicle would have to pay the transaction sponsor, subordinating payments to the note holders. Credit linked notes also may not be liquid and may be subject to currency and interest rate risks as well.
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Equity-linked Derivatives
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Each Fund may invest in equity-linked derivative products the performance of which is designed to correspond generally to the performance of a specified stock index or “basket” of stocks, or to a single stock. Investments in equity-linked derivatives involve the same risks associated with a direct investment in the types of securities such products are designed to track. There can be no assurance that the trading price of the equity-linked derivatives will equal the underlying value of the securities purchased to replicate a particular investment or that such basket will replicate the investment.
Investments in equity-linked derivatives may constitute investments in other investment companies. (See “Mutual Fund Investing” in this section of the SAI for information regarding the implications of a Fund investing in other investment companies.)
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Eurodollar Instruments
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The Funds may invest in Eurodollar instruments. Eurodollar instruments are dollar-denominated certificates of deposit and time deposits issued outside the U.S. capital markets by foreign branches of U.S. banks and by foreign banks. Eurodollar futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a fixed rate for the lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for borrowings. A Fund might use Eurodollar instruments to hedge against changes in interest rates or to enhance returns.
Eurodollar obligations are subject to the same risks that pertain to domestic issuers, most notably income risk (and, to a lesser extent, credit risk, market risk, and liquidity risk). Additionally, Eurodollar obligations are subject to certain sovereign risks. One such risk is the possibility that a sovereign country might prevent capital, in the form of dollars, from flowing across its borders. Other risks include adverse political and economic developments, the extent and quality of government regulation of financial markets and institutions, the imposition of foreign withholding taxes, and expropriation or nationalization of foreign issuers. However, Eurodollar obligations will undergo the same type of credit analysis as domestic issuers in which a Fund invests.
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Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Futures and Options
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Each Fund may engage in certain derivative foreign currency exchange and option transactions involving investment risks and transaction costs to which the Fund would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. If a Fund’s subadviser’s predictions of movements in the direction of securities prices or currency exchange rates are inaccurate, the adverse consequences to the Fund may leave the Fund in a worse position than if it had not used such strategies. Risks inherent in the use of option and foreign currency forward and futures contracts include: (1) dependence on the Fund’s subadviser’s ability to correctly predict movements in the direction of
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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securities prices and currency exchange rates; (2) imperfect correlation between the price of options and futures contracts and movements in the prices of the securities or currencies being hedged; (3) the fact that the skills needed to use these strategies are different from those needed to select portfolio securities; (4) the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at any time; and (5) the possible need to defer closing out certain hedged positions to avoid adverse tax consequences. The Fund’s ability to enter into futures contracts is also limited by the requirements of the Code for qualification as a regulated investment company. (See the “Dividends, Distributions and Taxes” section of this SAI.)
A Fund may engage in currency exchange transactions to protect against uncertainty in the level of future currency exchange rates. In addition, a Fund may write covered put and call options on foreign currencies for the purpose of increasing its return.
A Fund may enter into contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date (“forward contracts”) and purchase and sell foreign currency futures contracts. For certain hedging purposes, the Fund may also purchase exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on foreign currency futures contracts and on foreign currencies. A put option on a futures contract gives the Fund the right to assume a short position in the futures contract until the expiration of the option. A put option on a currency gives the Fund the right to sell the currency at an exercise price until the expiration of the option. A call option on a futures contract gives the Fund the right to assume a long position in the futures contract until the expiration of the option. A call option on a currency gives the Fund the right to purchase the currency at the exercise price until the expiration of the option.
When engaging in position hedging, a Fund enters into foreign currency exchange transactions to protect against a decline in the values of the foreign currencies in which its portfolio securities are denominated (or an increase in the values of currency for securities which the Fund expects to purchase, when the Fund holds cash or short-term investments). In connection with position hedging, the Fund may purchase put or call options on foreign currency and on foreign currency futures contracts and buy or sell forward contracts and foreign currency futures contracts. (A Fund may also purchase or sell foreign currency on a spot basis, as discussed in “Foreign Currency Transactions” under “Foreign Investing” in this section of the SAI.)
The precise matching of the amounts of foreign currency exchange transactions and the value of the portfolio securities involved will not generally be possible since the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the dates the currency exchange transactions are entered into and the dates they mature. It is also impossible to forecast with precision the market value of portfolio securities at the expiration or maturity of a forward or futures contract. Accordingly, it may be necessary for a Fund to purchase additional foreign currency on the spot market (and bear the expense of such purchase) if the market value of the security or securities being hedged is less than the amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver and a decision is made to sell the security or securities and make delivery of the foreign currency. Conversely, it may be necessary to sell on the spot market some of the foreign currency received upon the sale of the portfolio security or securities if the market value of such security or securities exceeds the amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver.
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Hedging techniques do not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities which a Fund owns or intends to purchase or sell. They simply establish a rate of exchange which one can achieve at some future point in time. Additionally, although these techniques tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they also tend to limit any potential gain which might result from the increase in value of such currency.
A Fund may seek to increase its return or to offset some of the costs of hedging against fluctuations in currency exchange rates by writing covered put options and covered call options on foreign currencies. In that case, the Fund receives a premium from writing a put or call option, which increases the Fund’s current return if the option expires unexercised or is closed out at a net profit. A Fund may terminate an option that it has written prior to its expiration by entering into a closing purchase transaction in which it purchases an option having the same terms as the option written.
A Fund’s currency hedging transactions may call for the delivery of one foreign currency in exchange for another foreign currency and may at times not involve currencies in which its portfolio securities are then denominated. A Fund’s subadviser will engage in such “cross hedging” activities when it believes that such transactions provide significant hedging opportunities for the Fund. Cross hedging transactions by a Fund involve the risk of imperfect correlation between changes in the values of the currencies to which such transactions relate and changes in the value of the currency or other asset or liability which is the subject of the hedge.
Foreign currency forward contracts, futures and options may be traded on foreign exchanges. Such transactions may not be regulated as effectively as similar transactions in the United States; may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees; and are subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign securities. The value of such positions also could be adversely affected by (i) other complex foreign political, legal and economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the United States of data on which to make trading decisions, (iii) delays in the relevant Fund’s ability to act upon economic events occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the United States, (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the United States, and (v) lesser trading volume.
The types of derivative foreign currency exchange transactions most commonly employed by the Funds are discussed below, although each Fund is also permitted to engage in other similar transactions to the extent consistent with the Fund’s investment limitations and restrictions.
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Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
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A foreign currency forward contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days (“term”) from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers.
A Fund will specifically designate on its accounting records any asset, including equity securities and non-investment-grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily in an amount not less than the value of the Fund’s total assets committed to forward foreign currency exchange contracts entered into for the purchase of a foreign currency. If the value of the securities specifically designated declines, additional cash or securities will be
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added so that the specifically designated amount is not less than the amount of the Fund’s commitments with respect to such contracts.
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Foreign Currency Futures Transactions
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Each Fund may use foreign currency futures contracts and options on such futures contracts. Through the purchase or sale of such contracts, a Fund may be able to achieve many of the same objectives attainable through the use of foreign currency forward contracts, but more effectively and possibly at a lower cost.
Unlike forward foreign currency exchange contracts, foreign currency futures contracts and options on foreign currency futures contracts are standardized as to amount and delivery period and are traded on boards of trade and commodities exchanges. It is anticipated that such contracts may provide greater liquidity and lower cost than forward foreign currency exchange contracts.
Purchasers and sellers of foreign currency futures contracts are subject to the same risks that apply to the buying and selling of futures generally. In addition, there are risks associated with foreign currency futures contracts similar to those associated with options on foreign currencies. (See “Foreign Currency Options” and “Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts”, each in this sub-section of the SAI.) The Fund must accept or make delivery of the underlying foreign currency, through banking arrangements, in accordance with any U.S. or foreign restrictions or regulations regarding the maintenance of foreign banking arrangements by U.S. residents and may be required to pay any fees, taxes or charges associated with such delivery which are assessed in the issuing country.
To the extent required to comply with SEC Release No. IC-10666, when entering into a futures contract or an option transaction, a Fund will specifically designate on its accounting records any asset, including equity securities and non-investment-grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily equal to the net amount of the Fund’s obligation. For foreign currency futures transactions, the prescribed amount will generally be the daily value of the futures contract, marked to market.
Futures contracts are designed by boards of trade which are designated “contracts markets” by the CFTC. Futures contracts trade on contracts markets in a manner that is similar to the way a stock trades on a stock exchange and the boards of trade, through their clearing corporations, guarantee performance of the contracts. As of the date of this SAI, the Funds may invest in futures contracts under specified conditions without being regulated as commodity pools. However, under recently amended CFTC rules the Funds’ ability to maintain the exclusions/exemptions from the definition of commodity pool may be limited. (See “Commodity Interests” in this section of the SAI.)
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Foreign Currency Options
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A foreign currency option provides the option buyer with the right to buy or sell a stated amount of foreign currency at the exercise price at a specified date or during the option period. A call option gives its owner the right, but not the obligation, to buy the currency, while a put option gives its owner the right, but not the obligation, to sell the currency. The option seller (writer) is obligated to fulfill the terms of the option sold if it is exercised. However, either seller or buyer may close its position during the option period for such options any time prior to expiration.
A call rises in value if the underlying currency appreciates. Conversely, a put rises in value if the underlying currency depreciates. While purchasing a foreign currency option can protect a Fund against an adverse movement in the value of a foreign currency, it does not limit the gain which might result from a favorable movement in the value of such currency. For example, if the Fund were holding
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securities denominated in an appreciating foreign currency and had purchased a foreign currency put to hedge against a decline in the value of the currency, it would not have to exercise its put. Similarly, if the Fund had entered into a contract to purchase a security denominated in a foreign currency and had purchased a foreign currency call to hedge against a rise in the value of the currency but instead the currency had depreciated in value between the date of purchase and the settlement date, the Fund would not have to exercise its call but could acquire in the spot market the amount of foreign currency needed for settlement.
The value of a foreign currency option depends upon the value of the underlying currency relative to the other referenced currency. As a result, the price of the option position may vary with changes in the value of either or both currencies and have no relationship to the investment merits of a foreign security, including foreign securities held in a “hedged” investment portfolio. Because foreign currency transactions occurring in the interbank market involve substantially larger amounts than those that may be involved in the use of foreign currency options, the Funds may be disadvantaged by having to deal in an odd lot market (generally consisting of transactions of less than $1 million) for the underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round lots.
As in the case of other kinds of options, the use of foreign currency options constitutes only a partial hedge, and a Fund could be required to purchase or sell foreign currencies at disadvantageous exchange rates, thereby incurring losses. The purchase of an option on a foreign currency may not necessarily constitute an effective hedge against fluctuations in exchange rates and, in the event of rate movements adverse to the Fund’s position, the Fund may forfeit the entire amount of the premium plus related transaction costs.
Options on foreign currencies written or purchased by a Fund may be traded on U.S. or foreign exchanges or over the counter. There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign currencies traded over the counter or any regulatory requirement that quotations available through dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis. Quotation information available is generally representative of very large transactions in the interbank market and thus may not reflect relatively smaller transactions (i.e., less than $1 million) where rates may be less favorable. The interbank market in foreign currencies is a global, around-the-clock market. To the extent that the options markets are closed while the markets for the underlying currencies remain open, significant price and rate movements may take place in the underlying markets that are not reflected in the options market.
For additional information about options transactions, see “Options” under “Derivative Investments” in this section of the SAI.
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Foreign Currency Warrants
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Foreign currency warrants such as currency exchange warrants are warrants that entitle the holder to receive from the issuer an amount of cash (generally, for warrants issued in the United States, in U.S. dollars) that is calculated pursuant to a predetermined formula and based on the exchange rate between two specified currencies as of the exercise date of the warrant. Foreign currency warrants generally are exercisable upon their issuance and expire as of a specified date and time.
Foreign currency warrants may be used to reduce the currency exchange risk assumed by purchasers of a security by, for example, providing for a supplemental payment in the event the U.S. dollar depreciates against the value of a major foreign currency such as the Japanese Yen or Euro. The formula used to determine the amount payable upon exercise of a foreign currency warrant may make the
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warrant worthless unless the applicable foreign currency exchange rate moves in a particular direction (e.g., unless the U.S. dollar appreciates or depreciates against the particular foreign currency to which the warrant is linked or indexed).
Foreign currency warrants are severable from the debt obligations with which they may be offered, and may be listed on exchanges. Foreign currency warrants may be exercisable only in certain minimum amounts, and an investor wishing to exercise warrants who possesses less than the minimum number required for exercise may be required either to sell the warrants or to purchase additional warrants, thereby incurring additional transaction costs. Upon exercise of warrants, there may be a delay between the time the holder gives instructions to exercise and the time the exchange rate relating to exercise is determined, thereby affecting both the market and cash settlement values of the warrants being exercised. The expiration date of the warrants may be accelerated if the warrants should be delisted from an exchange or if their trading should be suspended permanently, which would result in the loss of any remaining “time value” of the warrants (i.e., the difference between the current market value and the exercise value of the warrants), and, if the warrants were “out-of-the-money,” in a total loss of the purchase price of the warrants.
Warrants are generally unsecured obligations of their issuers and are not standardized foreign currency options issued by the OCC. Unlike foreign currency options issued by OCC, the terms of foreign exchange warrants generally will not be amended in the event of governmental or regulatory actions affecting exchange rates or in the event of the imposition of other regulatory controls affecting the international currency markets. The initial public offering price of foreign currency warrants could be considerably in excess of the price that a commercial user of foreign currencies might pay in the interbank market for a comparable option involving larger amounts of foreign currencies. Foreign currency warrants are subject to significant foreign exchange risk, including risks arising from complex political or economic factors.
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Performance Indexed Paper
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Performance indexed paper is commercial paper the yield of which is linked to certain currency exchange rate movements. The yield to the investor on performance indexed paper is established at maturity as a function of spot exchange rates between the designated currencies as of or about the time (generally, the index maturity two days prior to maturity). The yield to the investor will be within a range stipulated at the time of purchase of the obligation, generally with a guaranteed minimum rate of return that is below, and a potential maximum rate of return that is above, market yields on commercial paper, with both the minimum and maximum rates of return on the investment corresponding to the minimum and maximum values of the spot exchange rate two business days prior to maturity.
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Principal Exchange Rate Linked Securities (“PERLS”)
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PERLS are debt obligations the principal on which is payable at maturity in an amount that may vary based on the exchange rate between the particular currencies at or about that time. The return on “standard” principal exchange rate linked securities is enhanced if the currency to which the security is linked appreciates against the base currency, and is adversely affected by increases in the exchange value of the base currency. “Reverse” PERLS are like the “standard” securities, except that their return is enhanced by increases in the value of the base currency and adversely impacted by increases in the value of other currency. Interest payments on the securities are generally made at rates that reflect the degree of currency risk assumed or given up by the purchaser of the notes (i.e., at relatively higher interest rates if the purchaser has assumed some of the
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currency exchange risk, or relatively lower interest rates if the issuer has assumed some of the currency exchange risk, based on the expectations of the current market). PERLS may in limited cases be subject to acceleration of maturity (generally, not without the consent of the holders of the securities), which may have an adverse impact on the value of the principal payment to be made at maturity.
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Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
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Each Fund may use interest rate, foreign currency, dividend, volatility or index futures contracts. An interest rate, foreign currency, dividend, volatility or index futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified quantity of a financial instrument, foreign currency, dividend basket or the cash value of an index at a specified price and time. A futures contract on an index is an agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the difference between the value of the index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the index contract was originally written. Although the value of an index might be a function of the value of certain specified securities, no physical delivery of these securities is made. A public market exists in futures contracts covering several indexes as well as a number of financial instruments and foreign currencies, and it is expected that other futures contracts will be developed and traded in the future. Interest rate and volatility futures contracts currently are traded in the United States primarily on the floors of the Chicago Board of Trade and the International Monetary Market of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Interest rate futures also are traded on foreign exchanges such as the London International Financial Futures Exchange and the Singapore International Monetary Exchange. Volatility futures also are traded on foreign exchanges such as Eurex. Dividend futures are also traded on foreign exchanges such as Eurex, NYSE Euronext Liffe, London Stock Exchange and the Singapore International Monetary Exchange.
A Fund may purchase and write call and put options on futures. Futures options possess many of the same characteristics as options on securities and indexes discussed above. A futures option gives the holder the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a long position (call) or short position (put) in a futures contract at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of option. Upon exercise of a call option, the holder acquires a long position in the futures contract and the writer is assigned the opposite short position. In the case of a put option, the opposite is true.
Except as otherwise described in this SAI, the Funds will limit their use of futures contracts and futures options to hedging transactions and in an attempt to increase total return, in accordance with Federal regulations. The costs of, and possible losses incurred from, futures contracts and options thereon may reduce the Fund’s current income and involve a loss of principal. Any incremental return earned by the Fund resulting from these transactions would be expected to offset anticipated losses or a portion thereof.
The Funds will only enter into futures contracts and futures options which are standardized and traded on a U.S. or foreign exchange, board of trade, or similar entity, or quoted on an automated quotation system.
When a purchase or sale of a futures contract is made by a Fund, the Fund is required to deposit with its custodian (or broker, if legally permitted) a specified amount of cash or U.S. Government securities (“initial margin”). The margin required for a futures contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded and may be modified during the term of the contract. The initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the futures contract which is returned to the Fund upon termination of the contract, assuming all
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Each of the Alternative Total Solution Fund and Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund will not limit its use of futures contracts and futures options to hedging transactions, and its investments in futures are likely to cause it to be considered a commodity pool. (See “Commodity Interests” in this SAI.)
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contractual obligations have been satisfied. The Funds expect to earn interest income on their initial margin deposits. A futures contract held by a Fund is valued daily at the official settlement price of the exchange on which it is traded. Each day the Fund pays or receives cash, called “variation margin,” equal to the daily change in value of the futures contract. This process is known as “marking to market.” Variation margin does not represent a borrowing or loan by the Fund but is instead a settlement between the Fund and the broker of the amount one would owe the other if the futures contract expired. In computing daily NAV, the Fund will mark to market its open futures positions.
The Funds are also required to deposit and maintain margin with respect to put and call options on futures contracts written by them. Such margin deposits will vary depending on the nature of the underlying futures contract (and the related initial margin requirements), the current market value of the option, and other futures positions held by the relevant Fund.
To the extent required to comply with SEC Release No. IC-10666, when entering into a futures contract or an option on a futures contract, a Fund will specifically designate on its accounting records any asset, including equity securities and non-investment-grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily equal to the prescribed amount. Generally, for cash-settled futures contracts the prescribed amount is the net amount of the Fund’s obligation, and for non-cash-settled futures contracts the prescribed about is the notional value of the reference obligation.
Futures contracts are designed by boards of trade which are designated “contracts markets” by the CFTC. Futures contracts trade on contracts markets in a manner that is similar to the way a stock trades on a stock exchange and the boards of trade, through their clearing corporations, guarantee performance of the contracts. A Fund’s ability to claim an exclusion or exemption from the definition of a commodity pool may be limited when the Fund invests in futures contracts. (See “Commodity Interests” in this SAI.)
The requirements of the Code for qualification as a regulated investment company also may limit the extent to which a Fund may enter into futures, futures options or forward contracts. (See the “Dividends, Distributions and Taxes” section of this SAI.)
Although some futures contracts call for making or taking delivery of the underlying securities, generally these obligations are closed out prior to delivery by offsetting purchases or sales of matching futures contracts (same exchange, underlying security or index, and delivery month). If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is more, the Fund realizes a capital loss. Conversely, if an offsetting sales price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is less, the Fund realizes a capital loss. The transaction costs must also be included in these calculations.
Positions in futures contracts and related options may be closed out only on an exchange which provides a secondary market for such contracts or options. The Fund will enter into an option or futures position only if there appears to be a liquid secondary market. However, there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option or futures contract at any specific time. Thus, it may not be possible to close out a futures or related option position. In the case of a futures position, in the event of adverse price movements the Fund would continue to be required to make daily margin payments. In this situation, if the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily margin requirements it may have to sell portfolio securities to meet its margin obligations at a time when it may
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be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, the Fund may be required to take or make delivery of the securities underlying the futures contracts it holds. The inability to close out futures positions also could have an adverse impact on the Fund’s ability to hedge its portfolio effectively.
There are several risks in connection with the use of futures contracts as a hedging device. While hedging can provide protection against an adverse movement in market prices, it can also limit a hedger’s opportunity to benefit fully from a favorable market movement. In addition, investing in futures contracts and options on futures contracts will cause the Fund to incur additional brokerage commissions and may cause an increase in the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate.
The successful use of futures contracts and related options may also depend on the ability of the relevant Fund’s subadviser to forecast correctly the direction and extent of market movements, interest rates and other market factors within a given time frame. To the extent market prices remain stable during the period a futures contract or option is held by a Fund or such prices move in a direction opposite to that anticipated, the Fund may realize a loss on the transaction which is not offset by an increase in the value of its portfolio securities. Options and futures may also fail as a hedging technique in cases where the movements of the securities underlying the options and futures do not follow the price movements of the hedged portfolio securities. As a result, the Fund’s total return for the period may be less than if it had not engaged in the hedging transaction. The loss from investing in futures transactions is potentially unlimited.
Utilization of futures contracts by a Fund involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements in the price of futures contracts and movements in the price of the securities which are being hedged. If the price of the futures contract moves more or less than the price of the securities being hedged, the Fund will experience a gain or loss which will not be completely offset by movements in the price of the securities. It is possible that, where a Fund has sold futures contracts to hedge its portfolio against a decline in the market, the market may advance and the value of securities held in the Fund’s portfolio may decline. If this occurred, the Fund would lose money on the futures contract and would also experience a decline in value in its portfolio securities. Where futures are purchased to hedge against a possible increase in the prices of securities before the Fund is able to invest its cash (or cash equivalents) in securities (or options) in an orderly fashion, it is possible that the market may decline; if the Fund then determines not to invest in securities (or options) at that time because of concern as to possible further market decline or for other reasons, the Fund will realize a loss on the futures that would not be offset by a reduction in the price of the securities purchased.
The market prices of futures contracts may be affected if participants in the futures market elect to close out their contracts through off-setting transactions rather than to meet margin deposit requirements. In such case, distortions in the normal relationship between the cash and futures markets could result. Price distortions could also result if investors in futures contracts opt to make or take delivery of the underlying securities rather than to engage in closing transactions because such action would reduce the liquidity of the futures market. In addition, from the point of view of speculators, because the deposit requirements in the futures markets are less onerous than margin requirements in the cash market, increased participation by speculators in the futures market could cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortions in the futures market and because of the imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of securities and movements in the prices of futures
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contracts, a correct forecast of market trends may still not result in a successful hedging transaction.
Compared to the purchase or sale of futures contracts, the purchase of put or call options on futures contracts involves less potential risk for the Fund because the maximum amount at risk is the premium paid for the options plus transaction costs. However, there may be circumstances when the purchase of an option on a futures contract would result in a loss to the Fund while the purchase or sale of the futures contract would not have resulted in a loss, such as when there is no movement in the price of the underlying securities.
For additional information about options transactions, see “Options” under “Derivative Investments” in this section of the SAI.
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Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities
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Each Fund may purchase mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, which collectively are securities backed by mortgages, installment contracts, credit card receivables or other financial assets. Asset-backed securities represent interests in “pools” of assets in which payments of both interest and principal on the securities are made periodically, thus in effect “passing through” such payments made by the individual borrowers on the assets that underlie the securities, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the securities. The average life of asset-backed securities varies with the maturities of the underlying instruments, and the average life of a mortgage-backed instrument, in particular, is likely to be less than the original maturity of the mortgage pools underlying the securities as a result of mortgage prepayments, where applicable. For this and other reasons, an asset-backed security’s stated maturity may be different, and the security’s total return may be difficult to predict precisely.
If an asset-backed security is purchased at a premium, a prepayment rate that is faster than expected will reduce yield to maturity, while a prepayment rate that is slower than expected will have the opposite effect of increasing yield to maturity. Conversely, if an asset-backed security is purchased at a discount, faster than expected prepayments will increase yield to maturity, while slower than expected prepayments will decrease yield to maturity.
Prepayments of principal of mortgage-related securities by mortgagors or mortgage foreclosures affect the average life of the mortgage-related securities in the Fund’s portfolio. Mortgage prepayments are affected by the level of interest rates and other factors, including general economic conditions and the underlying location and age of the mortgage. In periods of rising interest rates, the prepayment rate tends to decrease, lengthening the average life of a pool of mortgage-related securities. The longer the remaining maturity of a security the greater the effect of interest rate changes will be. Changes in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal and in the market’s perception of its creditworthiness also affect the market value of that issuer’s debt securities.
In periods of falling interest rates, the prepayment rate tends to increase, shortening the average life of a pool. Because prepayments of principal generally occur when interest rates are declining, it is likely that the Fund, to the extent that it retains the same percentage of debt securities, may have to reinvest the proceeds of prepayments at lower interest rates than those of its previous investments. If this occurs, that Fund’s yield will correspondingly decline. Thus, mortgage-related securities may have less potential for capital appreciation in periods of falling interest rates than other fixed income securities of comparable duration, although they may have a comparable risk of decline in market value in periods of rising interest rates. To the extent that the Fund purchases mortgage-related securities at a premium, unscheduled prepayments, which are made at par, result in a loss equal to any unamortized premium.
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Duration is one of the fundamental tools used by a
Fund’s
subadviser
in managing interest rate risks including prepayment risks. Traditionally, a debt security’s “term to maturity” characterizes a security’s sensitivity to changes in interest rates. “Term to maturity,” however, measures only the time until a debt security provides its final payment, taking no account of prematurity payments. Most debt securities provide interest (“coupon”) payments in addition to a final (“par”) payment at maturity, and some securities have call provisions allowing the issuer to repay the instrument in full before maturity date, each of which affect the security’s response to interest rate changes. “Duration” therefore is generally considered a more precise measure of interest rate risk than “term to maturity.” Determining duration may involve a subadviser’s estimates of future economic parameters, which may vary from actual future values.
Generally
fixed income
securities with longer effective durations are more responsive to interest rate fluctuations than those with shorter effective durations. For example, if interest rates rise by 1%, the value of securities having an effective duration of three years will generally decrease by approximately 3%.
Descriptions of some of the different types of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities most commonly acquired by the Funds are provided below. In addition to those shown, other types of mortgage-related and asset-backed investments are, or may become, available for investment by the Funds.
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Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (“CMOs”)
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CMOs are hybrid instruments with characteristics of both mortgage-backed and mortgage pass-through securities. Interest and prepaid principal on a CMO are paid, in most cases, monthly. CMOs may be collateralized by whole mortgage loans but are more typically collateralized by portfolios of mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed by entities such as GNMA, FHLMC, or FNMA, and their income streams.
CMOs are typically structured in multiple classes, each bearing a different stated maturity. Actual maturity and average life will depend upon the prepayment experience of the collateral. CMOs provide for a modified form of call protection through a de facto breakdown of the underlying pool of mortgages according to how quickly the loans are repaid. Monthly payment of principal received from the pool of underlying mortgages, including prepayments, is first returned to investors holding the shortest maturity class. Investors holding the longer maturity classes typically receive principal only after the first class has been retired. An investor may be partially guarded against a sooner than desired return of principal because of the sequential payments.
FHLMC CMOs are debt obligations of FHLMC issued in multiple classes having different maturity dates and are secured by the pledge of a pool of conventional mortgage loans purchased by FHLMC. The amount of principal payable on each monthly payment date is determined in accordance with FHLMC’s mandatory sinking fund schedule. Sinking fund payments in the CMOs are allocated to the retirement of the individual classes of bonds in the order of their stated maturities. Payments of principal on the mortgage loans in the collateral pool in excess of the amount of FHLMC’s minimum sinking fund obligation for any payment date are paid to the holders of the CMOs as additional sinking-fund payments. Because of the “pass-through” nature of all principal payments received on the collateral pool in excess of FHLMC’s minimum sinking fund requirement, the rate at which principal of the CMOs is actually repaid is likely to be such that each class of bonds will be retired in advance of its scheduled maturity date. If collection of principal (including prepayments) on the mortgage loans during any semiannual payment
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period is not sufficient to meet FHLMC’s minimum sinking fund obligation on the next sinking fund payment date, FHLMC agrees to make up the deficiency from its general funds.
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CMO Residuals
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CMO residuals are derivative mortgage securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans. As described above, the cash flow generated by the mortgage assets underlying a series of CMOs is applied first to make required payments of principal and interest on the CMOs and second to pay the related administrative expenses of the issuer. The “residual” in a CMO structure generally represents the interest in any excess cash flow remaining after making the foregoing payments. Each payment of such excess cash flow to a holder of the related CMO residual represents income and/or a return of capital. The amount of residual cash flow resulting from a CMO will depend on, among other things, the characteristics of the mortgage assets, the coupon rate of each class of CMO, prevailing interest rates, the amount of administrative expenses and, in particular, the prepayment experience on the mortgage assets. In addition, if a series of a CMO includes a class that bears interest at an adjustable rate, the yield to maturity on the related CMO residual will also be extremely sensitive to changes in the level of the index upon which interest rate adjustments are based. In certain circumstances a Fund may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in a CMO residual.
CMO residuals are generally purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers. The CMO residual market currently may not have the liquidity of other more established securities trading in other markets. CMO residuals may be subject to certain restrictions on transferability, may be deemed illiquid and therefore subject to the Funds’ limitations on investment in illiquid securities. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)
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Mortgage Pass-through Securities
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Mortgage pass-through securities are interests in pools of mortgage loans, assembled and issued by various governmental, government-related, and private organizations. Unlike other forms of debt securities, which normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts with principal payments at maturity or specified call dates, these securities provide a monthly payment consisting of both interest and principal payments. In effect, these payments are a “pass-through” of the monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on their residential or commercial mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities. Additional payments are caused by repayments of principal resulting from the sale of the underlying property, refinancing or foreclosure, net of fees or costs. “Modified pass-through” securities (such as securities issued by GNMA) entitle the holder to receive all interest and principal payments owed on the mortgage pool, net of certain fees, at the scheduled payment dates regardless of whether or not the mortgagor actually makes the payment.
The principal governmental guarantor of U.S. mortgage-related securities is GNMA. GNMA is authorized to guarantee, with the full faith and credit of the United States Government, the timely payment of principal and interest on securities issued by institutions approved by GNMA (such as savings and loan institutions, commercial banks and mortgage bankers) and backed by pools of Federal Housing Administration insured or Veterans Administration guaranteed mortgages. Government-related guarantors whose obligations are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government include FNMA and FHLMC. FNMA purchases conventional (i.e., not insured or guaranteed by any government agency) residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers which include state
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and federally chartered savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers. FHLMC issues Participation Certificates that represent interests in conventional mortgages from FHLMC’s national portfolio. FNMA and FHLMC guarantee the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal on securities they issue, but the securities they issue are neither issued nor guaranteed by the United States Government.
Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers also create pass-through pools of conventional residential mortgage loans. Such issuers may, in addition, be the originators and/ or servicers of the underlying mortgage loans as well as the guarantors of the mortgage-related securities. Pools created by such non-governmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than government and government-related pools because there are no direct or indirect government or agency guarantees of payments for such securities. However, timely payment of interest and principal of these pools may be supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance and letters of credit. The insurance and guarantees are issued by governmental entities, private insurers and the mortgage poolers. Such insurance and guarantees and the creditworthiness of the issuers thereof will be considered in determining whether a mortgage-related security meets a Fund’s investment quality standards. There can be no assurance that the private insurers or guarantors can meet their obligations under the insurance policies or guarantee arrangements. A Fund may buy mortgage-related securities without insurance or guarantees if, through an examination of the loan experience and practices of the originator/servicers and poolers, the Fund’s subadviser determines that the securities meet the Fund’s quality standards. Securities issued by certain private organizations may not be readily marketable and may therefore be subject to the Funds’ limitations on investments in illiquid securities. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)
Mortgage-backed securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, are not subject to the Funds’ industry concentration restrictions set forth in the “Investment Restrictions” section of this SAI by virtue of the exclusion from the test available to all U.S. Government securities. The Funds will take the position that privately-issued, mortgage-related securities do not represent interests in any particular “industry” or group of industries. The assets underlying such securities may be represented by a portfolio of first lien residential mortgages (including both whole mortgage loans and mortgage participation interests) or portfolios of mortgage pass-through securities issued or guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC. Mortgage loans underlying a mortgage-related security may in turn be insured or guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration or the Department of Veterans Affairs. In the case of private issue mortgage-related securities whose underlying assets are neither U.S. Government securities nor U.S. Government-insured mortgages, to the extent that real properties securing such assets may be located in the same geographical region, the security may be subject to a greater risk of default than other comparable securities in the event of adverse economic, political or business developments that may affect such region and, ultimately, the ability of residential homeowners to make payments of principal and interest on the underlying mortgages.
It is possible that the availability and the marketability (that is, liquidity) of the securities discussed in this section could be adversely affected by the actions of the U.S. Government to tighten the availability of its credit. On
September 7,
2008, the FHFA, an agency of the U.S.
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Government, placed FNMA and FHLMC into conservatorship, a statutory process with the objective of returning the entities to normal business operations. FHFA will act as the conservator to operate FNMA and FHLMC until they are stabilized. The conservatorship is still in effect as of the date of this SAI and has no specified termination date. There can be no assurance as to when or how the conservatorship will be terminated or whether FNMA or FHLMC will continue to exist following the conservatorship or what their respective business structures will be during or following the conservatorship. FHFA, as conservator, has the power to repudiate any contract entered into by FNMA or FHLMC prior to its appointment if it determines that performance of the contract is burdensome and repudiation of the contract promotes the orderly administration of FNMA’s or FHLMC’s affairs. Furthermore, FHFA has the right to transfer or sell any asset or liability of FNMA or FHLMC without any approval, assignment or consent. If FHFA were to transfer any such guarantee obligation to another party, holders of FNMA or FHLMC mortgage-backed securities would have to rely on that party for satisfaction of the guarantee obligation and would be exposed to the credit risk of that party.
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Other Asset-Backed Securities
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Through trusts and other special purpose entities, various types of securities based on financial assets other than mortgage loans are increasingly available, in both pass-through structures similar to mortgage pass-through securities described above and in other structures more like CMOs. As with mortgage-related securities, these asset-backed securities are often backed by a pool of financial assets representing the obligations of a number of different parties. They often include credit-enhancement features similar to mortgage-related securities.
Financial assets on which these securities are based include automobile receivables; credit card receivables; loans to finance boats, recreational vehicles, and mobile homes; computer, copier, railcar, and medical equipment leases; and trade, healthcare, and franchise receivables. In general, the obligations supporting these asset-backed securities are of shorter maturities than mortgage loans and are less likely to experience substantial prepayments. However, obligations such as credit card receivables are generally unsecured and the obligors are often entitled to protection under a number of consumer credit laws granting, among other things, rights to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thus reducing the balance due. Other obligations that are secured, such as automobile receivables, may present issuers with difficulties in perfecting and executing on the security interests, particularly where the issuer allows the servicers of the receivables to retain possession of the underlying obligations, thus increasing the risk that recoveries on defaulted obligations may not be adequate to support payments on the securities.
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Stripped Mortgage-backed Securities (“SMBS”)
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SMBS are derivative multi-class mortgage securities. They may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans. SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the interest-only or “IO” class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or “PO” class). The yield to maturity on an IO class security is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal
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payments may have a material adverse effect on a Fund’s yield to maturity from these securities. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the Fund may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in these securities even if the security is in one of the highest rating categories. The market value of the PO class generally is unusually volatile in response to changes in interest rates.
Although SMBS are purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers, these securities were only recently developed. As a result, established trading markets have not yet developed and, accordingly, these securities may be deemed illiquid and therefore subject to the Funds’ limitations on investment in illiquid securities. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)
Each Fund may invest in other mortgage-related securities with features similar to those described above, to the extent consistent with the relevant Fund’s investment objectives and policies.
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Options
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Each Fund may purchase or sell put and call options on securities, indices and other financial instruments. Options may relate to particular securities, foreign and domestic securities indices, financial instruments, volatility, credit default, foreign currencies or the yield differential between two securities. Such options may or may not be listed on a domestic or foreign securities exchange and may or may not be issued by the OCC.
A call option for a particular security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and a writer the obligation to sell, the underlying security at the stated exercise price before the expiration of the option, regardless of the market price of the security. A premium is paid to the writer by the purchaser in consideration for undertaking the obligation under the option contract. A put option for a particular security gives the purchaser the right to sell and a writer the obligation to buy the security at the stated exercise price before the expiration date of the option, regardless of the market price of the security.
To the extent required to comply with SEC Release No. IC-10666, options written by a Fund will be covered and will remain covered as long as the Fund is obligated as a writer. A call option is “covered” if the Fund owns the underlying security or its equivalent covered by the call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security without additional cash consideration (or for additional cash consideration if such cash is segregated) upon conversion or exchange of other securities held in its portfolio. A call option is also covered if the Fund holds on a share-for-share or equal principal amount basis a call on the same security as the call written where the exercise price of the call held is equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written or greater than the exercise price of the call written if appropriate liquid assets representing the difference are segregated by the Fund. A put option is “covered” if the Fund maintains appropriate liquid securities with a value equal to the exercise price, or owns on a share-for-share or equal principal amount basis a put on the same security as the put written where the exercise price of the put held is equal to or greater than the exercise price of the put written.
A Fund’s obligation to sell an instrument subject to a covered call option written by it, or to purchase an instrument subject to a secured put option written by it, may be terminated before the expiration of the option by the Fund’s execution of a closing purchase transaction. This means that a Fund buys an option of the same series (i.e., same underlying instrument, exercise price and expiration date) as the option previously written. Such a purchase does not result in the ownership of an option. A closing purchase transaction will ordinarily
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be effected to realize a profit on an outstanding option, to prevent an underlying instrument from being called, to permit the sale of the underlying instrument or to permit the writing of a new option containing different terms on such underlying instrument. The cost of such a closing purchase plus related transaction costs may be greater than the premium received upon the original option, in which event the Fund will experience a loss. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option. A Fund that has written an option and is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction will not be able to sell the underlying instrument (in the case of a covered call option) or liquidate the segregated assets (in the case of a secured put option) until the option expires or the optioned instrument is delivered upon exercise. The Fund will be subject to the risk of market decline or appreciation in the instrument during such period.
To the extent required to comply with SEC Release No. IC-10666, when entering into an option transaction, a Fund will specifically designate on its accounting records any asset, including equity securities and non-investment-grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily equal to the prescribed amount. For options transactions, the prescribed amount will generally be the market value of the underlying instrument but will not be less than the exercise price.
Options purchased are recorded as an asset and written options are recorded as liabilities to the extent of premiums paid or received. The amount of this asset or liability will be subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value of the option purchased or written. The current value of the traded option is the last sale price or, in the absence of a sale, the current bid price. If an option purchased by a Fund expires unexercised, the Fund will realize a loss equal to the premium paid. If a Fund enters into a closing sale transaction on an option purchased by it, the Fund will realize a gain if the premium received by the Fund on the closing transaction is more than the premium paid to purchase the option, or a loss if it is less. If an option written by a Fund expires on the stipulated expiration date or if a Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it will realize a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the net premium received when the option is sold), and the liability related to such option will be eliminated. If an option written by a Fund is exercised, the proceeds of the sale will be increased by the net premium originally received and the Fund will realize a gain or loss.
Options trading is a highly specialized activity that entails more complex and potentially greater than ordinary investment risk. Options may be more volatile than the underlying instruments and, therefore, on a percentage basis, an investment in options may be subject to greater fluctuation than an investment in the underlying instruments themselves.
There are several other risks associated with options. For example, there are significant differences among the securities, currency, volatility, credit default and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation among these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. In addition, a liquid secondary market for particular options, whether traded over-the-counter or on an exchange, may be absent for reasons that include the following: there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options or underlying securities or currencies; unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; the facilities of an exchange or
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the OCC may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading value; or one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options that had been issued by the OCC as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
The staff of the SEC currently takes the position that options not traded on registered domestic securities exchanges and the assets used to cover the amount of the Fund’s obligation pursuant to such options are illiquid, and are therefore subject to each Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid securities. However, for options written with “primary dealers” in U.S. Government securities pursuant to an agreement requiring a closing transaction at the formula price, the amount considered to be illiquid may be calculated by reference to a formula price. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)
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Options on Indexes and “Yield Curve” Options
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Each Fund may enter into options on indexes or options on the “spread,” or yield differential, between two fixed income securities, in transactions referred to as “yield curve” options. Options on indexes and yield curve options provide the holder with the right to make or receive a cash settlement upon exercise of the option. With respect to options on indexes, the amount of the settlement will equal the difference between the closing price of the index at the time of exercise and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars, times a specified multiple. With respect to yield curve options, the amount of the settlement will equal the difference between the yields of designated securities.
With respect to yield curve options, a call or put option is covered if a Fund holds another call or put, respectively, on the spread between the same two securities and maintains in a segregated account liquid assets sufficient to cover the Fund’s net liability under the two options. Therefore, the Fund’s liability for such a covered option is generally limited to the difference between the amount of the Fund’s liability under the option it wrote less the value of the option it holds. A Fund may also cover yield curve options in such other manner as may be in accordance with the requirements of the counterparty with which the option is traded and applicable laws and regulations.
The trading of these types of options is subject to all of the risks associated with the trading of other types of options. In addition, however, yield curve options present risk of loss even if the yield of one of the underlying securities remains constant, if the spread moves in a direction or to an extent which was not anticipated.
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Reset Options
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In certain instances, a Fund may purchase or write options on U.S. Treasury securities, which provide for periodic adjustment of the strike price and may also provide for the periodic adjustment of the premium during the term of each such option. Like other types of options, these transactions, which may be referred to as “reset” options or “adjustable strike” options grant the purchaser the right to purchase (in the case of a call) or sell (in the case of a put), a specified type of U.S. Treasury security at any time up to a stated expiration date (or, in certain instances, on such date). In contrast to other types of options, however, the price at which the underlying security may be purchased or sold under a “reset” option is determined at various intervals during the term of the option, and such price fluctuates from interval to interval based on changes in the market value of the underlying security. As a result, the strike price of a “reset” option, at the time of exercise, may be less advantageous than if the strike price had been
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fixed at the initiation of the option. In addition, the premium paid for the purchase of the option may be determined at the termination, rather than the initiation, of the option. If the premium for a reset option written by a Fund is paid at termination, the Fund assumes the risk that (i) the premium may be less than the premium which would otherwise have been received at the initiation of the option because of such factors as the volatility in yield of the underlying Treasury security over the term of the option and adjustments made to the strike price of the option, and (ii) the option purchaser may default on its obligation to pay the premium at the termination of the option. Conversely, where a Fund purchases a reset option, it could be required to pay a higher premium than would have been the case at the initiation of the option.
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Swaptions
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A Fund may enter into swaption contracts, which give the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset or instrument at a specified strike price on or before a specified date. Over-the-counter swaptions, although providing greater flexibility, may involve greater credit risk than exchange-traded options as they are not backed by the clearing
organization
of the exchanges where they are traded, and
as such, there is a risk that the seller will not settle as agreed. A Fund’s financial liability associated with swaptions is linked to the marked-to-market value of the notional underlying investments. Purchased swaption contracts are exposed to a maximum loss equal to the price paid for the option/swaption (the premium) and no further liability. Written swaptions, however, give the right of potential exercise to a third party, and the maximum loss to the Fund in the case of an uncovered swaption is unlimited.
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Swap Agreements
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Each Fund may enter into swap agreements on, among other things, interest rates, indices, securities and currency exchange rates. A
Fund’s
subadviser may use swaps in an attempt to obtain for the Fund
a particular desired return at a lower cost to the Fund than if the Fund had invested directly in an instrument that yielded that desired return. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods typically ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency, or in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index. The “notional amount” of the swap agreement is only a fictive basis on which to calculate the obligations the parties to a swap agreement have agreed to exchange. A Fund’s obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the “net amount”). A Fund’s obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily on the
Fund’s
accounting records (offset against any amounts owing to
the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by specifically designating on the accounting records of the Fund liquid assets to avoid leveraging of the Fund’s portfolio.
Because swap agreements are two-party contracts and may have terms of greater than seven days, they may be considered to be illiquid and therefore subject to the Funds’ limitations on investment in illiquid securities. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.) Moreover, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. A
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Fund’s subadviser will cause the Fund to enter into swap agreements only with counterparties that would be eligible for consideration as repurchase agreement counterparties under the Funds’ repurchase agreement guidelines. (See “Repurchase Agreements” in this section of the SAI.) Certain restrictions imposed on the Funds by the Code may limit the Funds’ ability to use swap agreements. (See the “Dividends, Distributions and Taxes” section of this SAI.) The swaps market is a relatively new market and is largely unregulated. It is possible that developments in the swaps market, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect a Fund’s ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.
Certain swap agreements are exempt from most provisions of the CEA and, therefore, are not regulated as futures or commodity option transactions under the CEA, pursuant to regulations of the CFTC. To qualify for this exemption, a swap agreement must be entered into by eligible participants and must meet certain conditions (each pursuant to the CEA and regulations of the CFTC). However, recent CFTC rule amendments dictate that certain swap agreements be considered commodity interests for purposes of the CEA. (See “Commodity Interests” in this section of the SAI for additional information regarding the implications of investments being considered commodity interests under the CEA.)
Recently, the SEC and the CFTC have developed rules under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to create a new, comprehensive regulatory framework for swap transactions. Under the new regulations, certain swap transactions will be required to be executed on a regulated trading platform and cleared through a derivatives clearing organization. Additionally, the new regulations impose other requirements on the parties entering into swap transactions, including requirements relating to posting margin, and reporting and documenting swap transactions. A Fund engaging in swap transactions may incur additional expenses as a result of these new regulatory requirements. The Adviser is continuing to monitor the implementation of the new regulations and to assess their impact on the Funds.
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Credit Default Swap Agreements
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Each Fund may enter into credit default swap agreements. A credit default swap is a bilateral financial contract in which one party (the protection buyer) pays a periodic fee in return for a contingent payment by the protection seller following a credit event of a reference issuer. The protection buyer must either sell particular obligations issued by the reference issuer for its par value (or some other designated reference or strike price) when a credit event occurs or receive a cash settlement based on the difference between the market price and such reference price. A credit event is commonly defined as bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, material adverse restructuring of debt, or failure to meet payment obligations when due. A Fund may be either the buyer or seller in the transaction. If a Fund is a buyer and no event of default occurs, the Fund loses its investment and recovers nothing; however, if an event of default occurs, the Fund receives full notional value for a reference obligation that may have little or no value. As a seller, a Fund receives a periodic fee throughout the term of the contract, provided there is no default event; if an event of default occurs, the Fund must pay the buyer the full notional value of the reference obligation. The value of the reference obligation received by the Fund as a seller, coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value the Fund pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the Fund.
As with other swaps, when a Fund enters into a credit default swap agreement, to the extent required by applicable law and regulation the Fund will specifically designate on its accounting records any asset,
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including equity securities and non-investment-grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily, equal to the Fund’s net exposure under the
swap (the “Segregated Assets”).
Generally, the minimum cover amount for a swap agreement is the amount owed by the Fund, if any, on a daily mark-to-market basis. With respect to swap contracts that provide for the netting of payments, the net
amount of the
excess, if any, of the Fund’s
obligations over its entitlements with respect to each swap contract will be accrued on a daily basis and an amount of Segregated Assets having an aggregate market value at least equal to the accrued excess will be maintained to cover the transactions in accordance with SEC positions. With respect to swap contracts that do not provide for the netting of payments by the counterparties, the full
notional
amount for
which the Fund is obligated under the swap contract with
respect to each swap contract will be accrued on a daily basis and an amount of Segregated Assets having an aggregate market value at least equal to the accrued full notional value will be maintained to cover the transactions in accordance with SEC positions. When the Fund sells protection on an individual
credit default swap,
upon a
credit event, the Fund may be obligated to pay the cash equivalent value of the asset. Therefore, the cover amount will be the notional value of the underlying credit. With regard to selling protection on an index (CDX), as a practical matter, the Fund would not be required to pay the full notional
amount of the
index; therefore, only the amount
owed
by the Fund,
if any, on a daily mark-to-market basis is required
as cover.
Credit default swaps involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested in the reference obligation directly. In addition to general market risks, credit default swaps are subject to illiquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risks. A Fund will enter into swap agreements only with counterparties deemed creditworthy by the Fund’s subadviser.
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Dividend Swap Agreements
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A dividend swap agreement is a financial instrument where two parties contract to exchange a set of future cash flows at set dates in the future. One party agrees to pay the other the future dividend flow on a stock or basket of stocks in an index, in return for which the other party gives the first call options. Dividend swaps generally are traded over the counter rather than on an exchange.
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Inflation Swap Agreements
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Inflation swap agreements are contracts in which one party agrees to pay the cumulative percentage increase in a price index (e.g., the Consumer Price Index with respect to CPI swaps) over the term of the swap (with some lag on the inflation index), while the other pays a compounded fixed rate. Inflation swap agreements may be used by a Fund to hedge the inflation risk associated with non-inflation indexed investments, thereby creating “synthetic” inflation-indexed investments. One factor that may lead to changes in the values of inflation swap agreements is a change in real interest rates, which are tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. If nominal interest rates increase at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates may rise, which may lead to a decrease in value of an inflation swap agreement.
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Total Return Swap Agreements
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“Total return swap” is the generic name for any non-traditional swap where one party agrees to pay the other the “total return” of a defined underlying asset, usually in return for receiving a stream of cash flows based upon an agreed rate. A total return swap may be applied to any underlying asset but is most commonly used with equity indices, single stocks, bonds and defined portfolios of loans and mortgages. A total return swap is a mechanism for the user to accept the economic benefits of asset ownership without utilizing the balance sheet. The other leg of the swap, which is often LIBOR, is spread to reflect the
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non-balance sheet nature of the product. Total return swaps can be designed with any underlying asset agreed between the two parties. No notional amounts are exchanged with total return swaps.
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Variance and Correlation Swap Agreements
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Variance swap agreements are contracts in which two parties agree to exchange cash payments based on the difference between the stated level of variance and the actual variance realized on an underlying asset or index. “Actual variance” as used here is defined as the sum of the square of the returns on the reference asset or index (which in effect is a measure of its “volatility”) over the length of the contract term. In other words, the parties to a variance swap can be said to exchange actual volatility for a contractually stated rate of volatility. Correlation swap agreements are contracts in which two parties agree to exchange cash payments based on the differences between the stated and the actual correlation realized on the underlying equity securities within a given equity index. “Correlation” as used here is defined as the weighted average of the correlations between the daily returns of each pair of securities within a given equity index. If two assets are said to be closely correlated, it means that their daily returns vary in similar proportions or along similar trajectories. A Fund may enter into variance or correlation swaps in an attempt to hedge equity market risk or adjust exposure to the equity markets.
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Equity Securities
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The Funds may invest in equity securities. Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks and preference stocks; securities such as bonds, warrants or rights that are convertible into stocks; and depositary receipts for those securities.
Common stockholders are the owners of the company issuing the stock and, accordingly, usually have the right to vote on various corporate governance matters such as mergers. They are not creditors of the company, but rather, in the event of liquidation of the company, would be entitled to their pro rata shares of the company’s assets after creditors (including fixed income security holders) and, if applicable, preferred stockholders are paid. Preferred stock is a class of stock having a preference over common stock as to dividends or upon liquidation. A preferred stockholder is a shareholder in the company and not a creditor of the company as is a holder of the company’s fixed income securities. Dividends paid to common and preferred stockholders are distributions of the earnings or other surplus of the company and not interest payments, which are expenses of the company. Equity securities owned by the Fund may be traded in the over-the-counter market or on a securities exchange and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of securities traded on a major U.S. national securities exchange. As a result, disposition by the Fund of a portfolio security to meet redemptions by shareholders or otherwise may require the Fund to sell the security at less than the reported value of the security, to sell during periods when disposition is not desirable, or to make many small sales over a lengthy period of time. The market value of all securities, including equity securities, is based upon the market’s perception of value and not necessarily the book value of an issuer or other objective measure of a company’s worth.
Stock values may fluctuate in response to the activities of an individual company or in response to general market and/or economic conditions. Historically, common stocks have provided greater long-term returns and have entailed greater
short-term
risks than other
types of securities. Smaller or newer issuers may be more likely to realize more substantial growth or suffer more significant losses. Investments in these companies can be both more volatile and more speculative. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which a Fund invests will cause the NAV of the Fund to fluctuate.
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Securities of Small and Mid Capitalization Companies
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While small and medium-sized issuers in which a Fund invests may offer greater opportunities for capital appreciation than larger market capitalization issuers, investments in such companies may involve greater risks and thus may be considered speculative. For example, smaller companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent on a limited management group. In addition, many small and mid-capitalization company stocks trade less frequently and in smaller volume, and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements, than stocks of larger companies. The securities of small and mid-capitalization companies may also be more sensitive to market changes than the securities of larger companies. When a Fund invests in small or mid-capitalization companies, these factors may result in above-average fluctuations in the NAV of the Fund’s shares. Therefore, a Fund investing in such securities should be considered as a long-term investment and not as a vehicle for seeking short-term profits. Similarly, an investment in a Fund solely investing in such securities should not be considered a complete investment program.
Market capitalizations of companies in which the Funds invest are determined at the time of purchase.
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Unseasoned Companies
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As a matter of operating policy, each Fund may invest to a limited extent in securities of unseasoned companies and new issues. The Adviser regards a company as unseasoned when, for example, it is relatively new to, or not yet well established in, its primary line of business. Such companies generally are smaller and younger than companies whose shares are traded on the major stock exchanges. Accordingly, their shares are often traded over-the-counter and their share prices may be more volatile than those of larger, exchange-listed companies.
Generally
a Fund will not invest more than 5% of its
total assets in securities of any one company with a record of fewer than three years’ continuous operation (including that of predecessors).
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Foreign Investing
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The Funds may invest in a broad range of securities of foreign issuers, including equity, debt and convertible securities and foreign government securities. The Funds may purchase the securities of issuers from various countries, including countries commonly referred to as “emerging markets.” The Funds may also invest in domestic securities denominated in foreign currencies.
Investing in the securities of foreign companies involves special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These include differences in accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, generally higher commission rates on foreign portfolio transactions, the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations, political instability which could affect U.S. investments in foreign countries, and potential restrictions on the flow of international capital. Foreign issuers may become subject to sanctions imposed by the United States or another country, which could result in the immediate freeze of the foreign issuers’ assets or securities. The imposition of such sanctions could impair the market value of the securities of such foreign issuers and limit a Fund’s ability to buy, sell, receive or deliver the securities. Additionally, dividends payable on foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes withheld prior to distribution. Foreign securities often trade with less frequency and volume than domestic securities and therefore may exhibit greater price volatility. Changes in foreign exchange rates will affect the value of those securities which are denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Many of the foreign securities held by a Fund will not be registered with, nor will the issuers thereof be subject to the reporting requirements of, the SEC. Accordingly,
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there may be less publicly available information about the securities and about the foreign company or government issuing them than is available about a domestic company or government entity. Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the United States economy in such respects as growth of Gross National Product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payment positions. Finally, the Funds may encounter difficulty in obtaining and enforcing judgments against issuers of foreign securities.
Securities of U.S. issuers denominated in foreign currencies may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities issued by domestic issuers and denominated in U.S. dollars. In addition, investing in securities denominated in foreign currencies often entails costs not associated with investment in U.S. dollar-denominated securities of U.S. issuers, such as the cost of converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars, higher brokerage commissions, custodial expenses and other fees. Non-U.S. dollar denominated securities may be subject to certain withholding and other taxes of the relevant jurisdiction, which may reduce the yield on the securities to the Funds and which may not be recoverable by the Funds or their investors.
The Trust may use an eligible foreign custodian in connection with its purchases of foreign securities and may maintain cash and cash equivalents in the care of a foreign custodian. The amount of cash or cash equivalents maintained in the care of eligible foreign custodians will be limited to an amount reasonably necessary to effect the Trust’s foreign securities transactions. The use of a foreign custodian invokes considerations which are not ordinarily associated with domestic custodians. These considerations include the possibility of expropriations, restricted access to books and records of the foreign custodian, inability to recover assets that are lost while under the control of the foreign custodian, and the impact of political, social or diplomatic developments.
Settlement procedures relating to the Funds’ investments in foreign securities and to the Funds’ foreign currency exchange transactions may be more complex than settlements with respect to investments in debt or equity securities of U.S. issuers, and may involve certain risks not present in the Funds’ domestic investments. For example, settlement of transactions involving foreign securities or foreign currency may occur within a foreign country, and a Fund may be required to accept or make delivery of the underlying securities or currency in conformity with any applicable U.S. or foreign restrictions or regulations, and may be required to pay any fees, taxes or charges associated with such delivery. Such investments may also involve the risk that an entity involved in the settlement may not meet its obligations. Settlement procedures in many foreign countries are less established than those in the United States, and some foreign country settlement periods can be significantly longer than those in the United States.
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Depositary Receipts
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Each Fund permitted to hold foreign securities may also hold ADRs, ADSs, GDRs and EDRs. ADRs and ADSs typically are issued by an American bank or trust company and evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. EDRs, which are sometimes referred to as CDRs, are issued in Europe typically by foreign banks and trust companies and evidence ownership of either foreign or domestic securities. GDRs are similar to EDRs and are designed for use in several international financial markets. Generally, ADRs and ADSs in registered form are designed for use in United States securities markets and EDRs in bearer form are designed for use in European securities markets. For purposes of a Fund’s investment policies, its investments in ADRs, ADSs, GDRs and EDRs will be deemed to be investments in the underlying foreign securities.
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Depositary Receipts may be issued pursuant to sponsored or unsponsored programs. In sponsored programs, an issuer has made arrangements to have its securities traded in the form of Depositary Receipts. In unsponsored programs, the issuer may not be directly involved in the creation of the program. Although regulatory requirements with respect to sponsored and unsponsored programs are generally similar, in some cases it may be easier to obtain financial information from an issuer that has participated in the creation of a sponsored program. Accordingly, there may be less information available regarding issuers of securities underlying unsponsored programs and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the Depositary Receipts. For purposes of the Fund’s investment policies, investments in Depositary Receipts will be deemed to be investments in the underlying securities. Thus, a Depositary Receipt representing ownership of common stock will be treated as common stock.
Depositary Receipts are generally subject to the same sort of risks as direct investments in a foreign country, such as currency risk, political and economic risk, and market risk, because their values generally depend on the performance of a foreign security denominated in its home currency. (The risks of foreign investing are addressed above in this section of the SAI under the heading “Foreign Investing.”) In addition to risks associated with the underlying portfolio of securities, receipt holders also must consider credit standings of the custodians and broker/dealer sponsors. The receipts are not registered with the SEC and qualify as Rule 144A securities which may make them more difficult and costly to sell. (For information about Rule 144A securities, see “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)
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Emerging Market Securities
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The Funds may invest in countries or regions with relatively low gross national product per capita compared to the world’s major economies, and in countries or regions with the potential for rapid economic growth (emerging markets). Emerging markets will include any country: (i) having an “emerging stock market” as defined by the International Finance Corporation; (ii) with low-to-middle-income economies according to the World Bank; (iii) listed in World Bank publications as developing; or (iv) determined by the adviser to be an emerging market as defined above.
Certain emerging market countries are either comparatively underdeveloped or are in the process of becoming developed and may consequently be economically dependent on a relatively few or closely interdependent industries. A high proportion of the securities of many emerging market issuers may also be held by a limited number of large investors trading significant blocks of securities. While a Fund’s subadviser will strive to be sensitive to publicized reversals of economic conditions, political unrest and adverse changes in trading status, unanticipated political and social developments may affect the values of the Fund’s investments in such countries and the availability of additional investments in such countries.
The risks of investing in foreign securities may be intensified in the case of investments in emerging markets. Securities of many issuers in emerging markets may be less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable domestic issuers. Emerging markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of a Fund is uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of a Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could
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cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of portfolio securities or, if a Fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, in possible liability to the purchaser. Securities prices in emerging markets can be significantly more volatile than in the more developed nations of the world, reflecting the greater uncertainties of investing in less established markets and economies. In particular, countries with emerging markets may have relatively unstable governments, present the risk of nationalization of businesses, restrictions on foreign ownership, or prohibitions of repatriation of assets, and may have less protection of property rights than more developed countries.
Certain emerging markets may require governmental approval for the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities by foreign investors. In addition, a country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances, whether because deterioration occurs in an emerging market’s balance of payments or for other reasons. The Funds could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the Funds of any restrictions on investments.
Investments in certain foreign emerging market debt obligations may be restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions or controls may at times preclude investment in certain foreign emerging market debt obligations and increase the expenses of the Funds.
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Foreign Currency Transactions
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When investing in securities denominated in foreign currencies, the Funds will be subject to the additional risk of currency fluctuations. An adverse change in the value of a particular foreign currency as against the U.S. dollar, to the extent that such change is not offset by a gain in other foreign currencies, will result in a decrease in the Fund’s assets. Any such change may also have the effect of decreasing or limiting the income available for distribution. Foreign currencies may be affected by revaluation, adverse political and economic developments, and governmental restrictions. Further, no assurance can be given that currency exchange controls will not be imposed on any particular currency at a later date.
As a result of its investments in foreign securities, a Fund may receive interest or dividend payments, or the proceeds of the sale or redemption of such securities, in the foreign currencies in which such securities are denominated. In that event, the Fund may convert such currencies into dollars at the then current exchange rate. Under certain circumstances, however, such as where the Fund’s subadviser believes that the applicable rate is unfavorable at the time the currencies are received or the Fund’s subadviser anticipates, for any other reason, that the exchange rate will improve, the Fund may hold such currencies for an indefinite period of time.
In addition, a Fund may be required to receive delivery of the foreign currency underlying forward foreign currency contracts it has entered into. This could occur, for example, if an option written by the Fund is exercised or the Fund is unable to close out a forward contract. A Fund may hold foreign currency in anticipation of purchasing foreign securities.
A Fund may also elect to take delivery of the currencies’ underlying options or forward contracts if, in the judgment of the Fund’s subadviser, it is in the best interest of the Fund to do so. In such instances as well, the Fund may convert the foreign currencies to dollars at the then current exchange rate, or may hold such currencies for an indefinite period of time.
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While the holding of currencies will permit a Fund to take advantage of favorable movements in the applicable exchange rate, it also exposes the Fund to risk of loss if such rates move in a direction adverse to the Fund’s position. Such losses could reduce any profits or increase any losses sustained by the Fund from the sale or redemption of securities, and could reduce the dollar value of interest or dividend payments received. In addition, the holding of currencies could adversely affect the Fund’s profit or loss on currency options or forward contracts, as well as its hedging strategies.
When a Fund effects foreign currency exchange transactions on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign exchange market, the Fund incurs expenses in converting assets from one currency to another. A Fund may also effect other types of foreign currency exchange transactions, which have their own risks and costs. For information about such transactions, please see “Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Futures and Options” under “Derivatives” in this section of the SAI.
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Foreign Investment Companies
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Some of the countries in which the Funds may invest may not permit, or may place economic restrictions on, direct investment by outside investors. Investments in such countries may be permitted only through foreign government-approved or -authorized investment vehicles, which may include other investment companies. These funds may also invest in other investment companies that invest in foreign securities. Investing through such vehicles may involve frequent or layered fees or expenses and may also be subject to limitation under the 1940 Act. As a shareholder of another investment company, the Fund would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees. Those expenses would be in addition to the advisory and other expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operations. For additional information, see “Mutual Fund Investing” in this section of the SAI.
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Privatizations
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The governments of some foreign countries have been engaged in programs of selling part or all of their stakes in government owned or controlled enterprises (“privatizations”). Privatizations may offer opportunities for significant capital appreciation. In certain foreign countries, the ability of foreign entities such as the Funds to participate in privatizations may be limited by local law, or the terms on which a Fund may be permitted to participate may be less advantageous than those for local investors. There can be no assurance that foreign governments will continue to sell companies currently owned or controlled by them or that privatization programs will be successful.
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Funding Agreements
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Each Fund may invest in funding agreements, which are insurance contracts between an investor and the issuing insurance company. For the issuer, they represent senior obligations under an insurance product. For the investor, and from a regulatory perspective, these agreements are treated as securities. These agreements, like other insurance products, are backed by claims on the general assets of the issuing entity and rank on the same priority level as other policy holder claims. Funding agreements typically are issued with a one-year final maturity and a variable interest rate, which may adjust weekly, monthly, or quarterly. Some agreements carry a seven-day put feature. A funding agreement without this feature is considered illiquid and will therefore be subject to the Funds’ limitations on investments in illiquid securities. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.) Funding agreements are regulated by the state insurance board of the state where they are executed.
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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Guaranteed Investment Contracts
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Each Fund may invest in GICs issued by U.S. and Canadian insurance companies. A GIC requires the investor to make cash contributions to a deposit fund of an insurance company’s general account. The insurance company then makes payments to the investor based on negotiated, floating or fixed interest rates. A GIC is a general obligation of the issuing insurance company and not a separate account. The purchase price paid for a GIC becomes part of the general assets of the insurance company, and the contract is paid from the insurance company’s general assets. Generally, a GIC is not assignable or transferable without the permission of the issuing insurance company, and an active secondary market in GICs does not currently exist. Therefore, these investments may be deemed to be illiquid, in which case they will be subject to the Funds’ limitations on investments in illiquid securities. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)
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Illiquid and Restricted Securities
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Each Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities that are considered illiquid. Historically, illiquid securities have included securities subject to contractual or legal restrictions on resale because they have not been registered under the 1933 Act (“restricted securities”), securities that are otherwise not readily marketable, such as over-the-counter options, and repurchase agreements not entitling the holder to payment of principal in seven days. Such securities may offer higher yields than comparable publicly traded securities, and they also may incur higher risks.
Repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements and time deposits that do not provide for payment to the Fund within seven days after notice or which have a term greater than seven days are deemed illiquid securities for this purpose unless such securities are variable amount master demand notes with maturities of nine months or less or unless the Fund’s subadviser has determined that an adequate trading market exists for such securities or that market quotations are readily available.
The Funds may purchase Rule 144A securities sold to institutional investors without registration under the 1933 Act and commercial paper issued in reliance upon the exemption in Section
4(a)(2)
of the
1933 Act, for which an institutional market has developed. Institutional investors depend on an efficient institutional market in which the unregistered security can be readily resold or on the issuer’s ability to honor a demand for repayment of the unregistered security.
Although the securities described in this section generally will be considered illiquid, a security’s contractual or legal restrictions on resale to the general public or to certain institutions may not be indicative of the liquidity of the security and therefore these securities may be determined to be liquid in accordance with guidelines established by the Board. The Trustees have delegated to each Fund’s subadviser the day-to-day determination of the liquidity of such securities in the respective Fund’s portfolio, although they have retained oversight and ultimate responsibility for such determinations. Although no definite quality criteria are used, the Trustees have directed the subadvisers to consider such factors as (i) the nature of the market for a security (including the institutional private resale markets); (ii) the terms of these securities or other instruments allowing for the disposition to a third party or the issuer thereof
(e.g. certain
repurchase obligations and demand instruments);
(iii) availability
of market quotations; and (iv) other permissible factors.
The Trustees monitor implementation of the guidelines on a periodic basis.
If illiquid securities exceed 15% of a Fund’s net assets after the time of purchase, the Fund will take steps to reduce in an orderly fashion its holdings of illiquid securities. Because illiquid securities may not be
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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readily marketable, the relevant Fund’s subadviser may not be able to dispose of them in a timely manner. As a result, the Fund may be forced to hold illiquid securities while their price depreciates. Depreciation in the price of illiquid securities may cause the NAV of the Fund holding them to decline. A security that is determined by a Fund’s subadviser to be liquid may subsequently revert to being illiquid if not enough buyer interest exists.
Restricted securities ordinarily can be sold by the Fund in secondary market transactions to certain qualified investors pursuant to rules established by the SEC, in privately negotiated transactions to a limited number of purchasers or in a public offering made pursuant to an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act. When registration is required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses and a considerable time may elapse between the decision to sell and the sale date. If, during such period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than the price which prevailed when it decided to sell.
Restricted securities will be priced at fair value as determined in good faith by the Trustees or their delegate.
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Investment in a Subsidiary by Alternative Total Solution Fund and Potential Investment in a Subsidiary by Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
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Alternative Total Solution Fund will invest up to 25% of its total assets in the shares of its wholly owned and controlled Subsidiary. Investments in its Subsidiary are expected to provide the Fund with exposure to the commodity markets within the limitations of Subchapter M of the Code and recent IRS rulings, as discussed below under "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes-Tax Treatment of Commodity-Linked Swaps and Structured Notes." The Subsidiary is managed by VAIA and subadvised by the Fund's portfolio managers from Graham, and has the same investment objective as Alternative Total Solution Fund. The Subsidiary may invest without limitation in commodity interests. The Subsidiary is otherwise subject to the same fundamental, non-fundamental and certain other investment restrictions as its Fund, including the timing and method of the valuation of the Subsidiary's portfolio investments and shares of the Subsidiary. The Subsidiary is managed pursuant to compliance policies and procedures that are the same, in all material respects, as the policies and procedures adopted by its Fund. The Subsidiary is a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands, and is overseen by its own board of directors. The Fund is the sole shareholder of its Subsidiary, and it is not currently expected that shares of the Subsidiary will be sold or offered to other investors.
By investing in its Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary's investments. The derivatives and other investments held by the Subsidiary are subject to the same risks that would apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. Although the Fund may enter into commodity-linked derivative instruments directly, the Fund will likely gain exposure to these derivative instruments indirectly by investing in its Subsidiary. To the extent that a portfolio manager believes that these commodity-linked derivative instruments are better suited to provide exposure to the commodities market than commodity index-linked notes, the Fund's investment in its Subsidiary will likely increase. The Subsidiary may also invest in fixed income instruments, some of which are intended to serve as margin or collateral for the Subsidiary's derivatives positions.
Subject to its investment management agreement with the Subsidiary, VAIA selects subadvisers for the Subsidiary who are also subadvisers to the Fund, allocates Subsidiary assets among subadvisers, oversees the subadvisers and evaluates their performance results. The Subsidiary's subadvisers select the individual portfolio securities for the assets assigned to them. Neither VAIA nor the subadvisers
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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receive any additional compensation for doing so. VAIA and each subadviser to a Subsidiary comply with the provisions of the 1940 Act relating to investment advisory contracts as an investment adviser to the applicable Fund.
The Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act, and, although the Subsidiary is subject to the same fundamental, non-fundamental and certain other investment restrictions as its Fund, the Subsidiary is not subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. However, the Fund wholly owns and controls its Subsidiary, and the Fund and its Subsidiary are managed by VAIA, making it unlikely that the Subsidiary will take action contrary to the interests of its Fund and the Fund's shareholders. The Trust's Board has oversight responsibility for the investment activities of the Fund, including the Fund's investment in its Subsidiary, and the Fund's role as sole shareholder of its Subsidiary. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or its Subsidiary to operate as described in the Prospectus and this SAI, and could adversely affect the Fund. For example, the Cayman Islands does not currently impose any income, corporate or capital gains tax, estate duty, inheritance tax, gift tax or withholding tax on the Subsidiary. If Cayman Islands law changes such that the Subsidiary must pay Cayman Islands taxes, Fund shareholders would likely suffer decreased investment returns.
Each regulated investment company under the Code, is required to derive at least 90 percent of its annual gross income from investment-related sources. Direct investments by a RIC in commodity-related instruments generally do not, under published IRS rulings, produce qualifying income. However, in a series of private letter rulings, the IRS has indicated that income derived by a RIC from a wholly-owned subsidiary invested in commodity and financial futures and option contracts, forward contracts, swaps on commodities or commodities indexes, commodity-linked notes and fixed income securities serving as collateral for the contracts would constitute qualifying income. In late July 2011, the IRS suspended the granting of private letter rulings that concluded that the income and gain from investments in controlled foreign subsidiaries that invest in physical commodities and/or commodity-linked derivative instruments, would be “qualifying income” for regulated investment company qualification purposes. As a result, there can be no assurance that the IRS will treat such income and gain as “qualifying income.” If the IRS makes an adverse determination relating to the treatment of such income and gain, the Fund would likely need to change its investment strategies, which could adversely affect the Fund.
As of the date of this SAI, the Alternative Inflation Solution Fund does not invest in a Subsidiary. However, in the future the Alternative Inflation Solution Fund may elect to do so. If that occurs, the description and risks in the above paragraphs relating to investment in a Subsidiary for the Alternative Total Solution Fund will also apply to the Alternative Inflation Solution Fund, except that the assets of the Alternative Inflation Solutions Fund's Subsidiary would be managed by that Fund's portfolio managers at Credit Suisse.
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Leverage
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Each Fund may employ investment techniques that create leverage, either by using borrowed capital to increase the amount invested, or investing in instruments, including derivatives, where the investment loss can exceed the original amount invested. Certain investments or trading strategies that involve leverage can result in losses that greatly exceed the amount originally invested.
The SEC takes the position that transactions that have a leveraging effect on the capital structure of a mutual fund or are economically equivalent to borrowing can be viewed as constituting a form of
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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borrowing by the fund for purposes of the 1940 Act. These transactions can include buying and selling certain derivatives (such as futures contracts); selling (or writing) put and call options; engaging in sale-buybacks; entering into firm-commitment and stand-by commitment agreements; engaging in when-issued, delayed-delivery, or forward-commitment transactions; and other similar trading practices (additional discussion about a number of these transactions can be found throughout this section of the SAI). As a result, when a Fund enters into such transactions the transactions may be subject to the same requirements and restrictions as borrowing. (See “Borrowing” below for additional information.)
The following are some of the Funds’ permitted investment techniques that are generally viewed as creating leverage for the Funds.
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Borrowing
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A Fund’s ability to borrow money is limited by its investment policies and limitations, by the 1940 Act, and by applicable exemptions, no-action letters, interpretations, and other pronouncements issued from time to time by the SEC and its staff or any other regulatory authority with jurisdiction. Under the 1940 Act, a Fund is required to maintain continuous asset coverage (that is, total assets including borrowings, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed, with an exception for borrowings not in excess of 5% of the Fund’s total assets made for temporary or emergency purposes. Any borrowings for temporary purposes in excess of 5% of the Fund’s total assets must maintain continuous asset coverage. If the 300% asset coverage should decline as a result of market fluctuations or for other reasons, a Fund may be required to sell some of its portfolio holdings within three days (excluding Sundays and holidays) to reduce the debt and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint to sell securities at that time.
Borrowing will tend to exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of a Fund’s portfolio. Money borrowed will be subject to interest costs that may or may not be recovered by earnings on the securities purchased. A Fund also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with a borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate.
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Mortgage “Dollar-Roll” Transactions
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Each Fund may enter into mortgage “dollar-roll” transactions pursuant to which it sells mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the future and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Fund
forgoes
principal and interest paid on the mortgage-backed securities.
The Fund is compensated for the lost interest by the difference between the current sales price and the lower price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”) as well as by the interest earned on, and gains from, the investment of the cash proceeds of the initial sale. The Fund may also be compensated by receipt of a commitment fee. If the income and capital gains from the Fund’s investment of the cash from the initial sale do not exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss that would have been realized on the securities sold as part of the dollar roll, the use of this technique will diminish the investment performance of the Fund compared with what the performance would have been without the use of the dollar roll.
Dollar-roll transactions involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Fund is required to purchase may decline below the agreed upon repurchase price of those securities. If the
broker-dealer
to whom the Fund sells securities becomes insolvent, the Fund’s right
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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to purchase or repurchase securities may be restricted. Successful use of dollar rolls may depend upon the Fund’s subadviser’s ability to correctly predict interest rates and prepayments. There is no assurance that dollar rolls can be successfully employed.
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Reverse Repurchase Agreements
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Reverse repurchase agreements are transactions in which the Fund sells a security and simultaneously commits to repurchase that security from the buyer, such as a bank or broker-dealer, at an
agreed-upon
price on an
agreed-upon
future date. The resale price in
a reverse repurchase agreement reflects a market rate of interest that is not related to the coupon rate or maturity of the sold security. For certain demand agreements, there is no
agreed-upon
repurchase
date and interest payments are calculated daily, often based upon the prevailing overnight repurchase rate.
Generally, a reverse repurchase agreement enables the Fund to recover for the term of the reverse repurchase agreement all or most of the cash invested in the portfolio securities sold and to keep the interest income associated with those portfolio securities. Such transactions are only advantageous if the interest cost to the Fund of the reverse repurchase transaction is less than the cost of obtaining the cash otherwise. In addition, interest costs on the money received in a reverse repurchase agreement may exceed the return received on the investments made by the Fund with those monies. Using reverse repurchase agreements to earn additional income involves the risk that the interest earned on the invested proceeds is less than the expense of the reverse repurchase agreement transaction.
Because reverse repurchase agreements are considered borrowing under the 1940 Act, while a reverse repurchase agreement is outstanding, the Fund will maintain cash and appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial account to cover its obligation under the agreement. A Fund will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only with parties that the Fund’s subadviser deems creditworthy, but such investments are still subject to the risks of leverage discussed above.
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Master Limited Partnerships
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An investment in MLP units involves some risks that differ from an investment in the common stock of a corporation. Holders of MLP units have limited control on matters affecting the partnership. Conflicts of interest exist between common unit holders and the general partner, including those arising from incentive distribution payments. MLPs holding credit-related investments are subject to interest rate risk and the risk of default on payment obligations by debt issuers. MLPs that concentrate in a particular industry or a particular geographic region are subject to risks associated with such industry or region. The fees that MLPs charge for transportation of oil and gas products through their pipelines are subject to government regulation, which could negatively impact the revenue stream. Investing in MLPs also involves certain risks related to investing in the underlying assets of the MLPs and risks associated with pooled investment vehicles. These include the risk of environmental incidents, terrorist attacks, demand destruction from high commodity prices, proliferation of alternative energy sources, inadequate supply of external capital, and conflicts of interest with the general partner. There are also certain tax risks associated with investment in MLPs. The benefit derived from a Fund’s investment in MLPs is somewhat dependent on the MLP being treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, so any change to this status would adversely affect the price of MLP units. Historically, a substantial portion of the gross taxable income of MLPs has been offset by tax losses and deductions reducing gross income received by investors, and any change to these tax rules would adversely affect the price of an MLP unit. Certain MLPs may trade
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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less frequently than other securities, and those with limited trading volumes may display volatile or erratic price movements.
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Money Market Instruments
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Each Fund may invest in money market instruments, which are high-quality short-term investments. The types of money market instruments most commonly acquired by the Funds are discussed below, although each Fund is also permitted to invest in other types of money market instruments to the extent consistent with the Fund’s investment limitations and restrictions.
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Banker's
Acceptances
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A
banker's
acceptance is a time draft drawn on a commercial bank by
a borrower usually in connection with an international commercial transaction (to finance the import, export, transfer or storage of goods). The borrower, as well as the bank, is liable for payment, and the bank unconditionally guarantees to pay the draft at its face amount on the maturity date. Most acceptances have maturities of six months or less and are traded in secondary markets prior to maturity.
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Certificates of Deposit
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Certificates of deposit are generally short-term, interest-bearing negotiable certificates issued by banks or savings and loan associations against funds deposited in the issuing institution. They generally may be withdrawn on demand but may be subject to early withdrawal penalties which could reduce the Fund’s yield. Deposits subject to early withdrawal penalties or that mature in more than seven days are treated as illiquid securities if there is no readily available market for the securities.
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Commercial Paper
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Commercial paper refers to short-term, unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations to finance short-term credit needs. Commercial paper is usually sold on a discount basis and has a maturity at the time of issuance not exceeding nine months.
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Obligations of Foreign Banks and Foreign Branches of U.S. Banks
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The money market instruments in which the Funds may invest include negotiable certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances and time deposits of foreign branches of U.S. banks, foreign banks and their non-U.S. branches (Eurodollars), U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks (Yankee dollars), and wholly-owned banking-related subsidiaries of foreign banks. For the purposes of each Fund’s investment policies with respect to money market instruments, obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks and of foreign banks are obligations of the issuing bank and may be general obligations of the parent bank. Such obligations, however, may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and by government regulation. As with investment in non-U.S. securities in general, investments in the obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks and of foreign banks may subject a Fund to investment risks that are different in some respects from those of investments in obligations of domestic issuers.
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Time Deposits
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Time deposits are deposits in a bank or other financial institution for a specified period of time at a fixed interest rate for which a negotiable certificate is not received.
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U.S. Government Obligations
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Securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States Government include a variety of Treasury securities, which differ only in their interest rates, maturities, and times of issuance. Treasury bills have maturities of one year or less. Treasury notes have maturities of one to ten years, and Treasury bonds generally have maturities of greater than ten years.
Agencies of the United States Government which issue or guarantee obligations include, among others, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Farmers Home Administration, Federal Housing Administration, GNMA, Maritime Administration, Small Business Administration and The Tennessee Valley Authority. Obligations of
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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instrumentalities of the United States Government include securities issued or guaranteed by, among others, FNMA, Federal Home Loan Banks, FHLMC, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Banks for Cooperatives, and the U.S. Postal Service. Some of these securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury, while still others are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. There is no guarantee that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities, now or in the future, if it is not obligated to do so by law. Accordingly, although these securities have historically involved little risk of loss of principal if held to maturity, they may involve more risk than securities backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government because the Fund must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the securities for repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States if the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment.
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Mutual Fund Investing
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Each Fund is authorized to invest in the securities of other investment companies subject to the limitations contained in the 1940 Act.
Investment companies in which the Fund may invest may include ETFs. An ETF is an investment company classified as an open-end investment company or unit investment trust that is traded similarly to a publicly traded company. Most ETFs seek to achieve the same return as a particular market index. That type of ETF is similar to an index fund in that it will primarily invest in the securities of companies that are included in a selected market index. An index-based ETF will invest in all of the securities included in the index, a representative sample of the securities included in the index, or other investments expected to produce returns substantially similar to that of the index. Other types of ETFs include leveraged or inverse ETFs, which are ETFs that seek to achieve a daily return that is a multiple or an inverse multiple of the daily return of a securities index. An important characteristic of these ETFs is that they seek to achieve their stated objectives on a daily basis, and their performance over longer periods of time can differ significantly from the multiple or inverse multiple of the index performance over those longer periods of time. ETFs also include actively managed ETFs that pursue active management strategies and publish their portfolio holdings on a frequent basis.
In connection with the management of its daily cash positions, each Fund may invest in securities issued by investment companies that invest in short-term debt securities (which may include municipal obligations that are exempt from Federal income taxes) and that seek to maintain a $1.00 NAV per share.
In certain countries, investments by the Funds may only be made through investments in other investment companies that, in turn, are authorized to invest in the securities that are issued in such countries.
(See “Foreign Investment Companies” under “Foreign Investing” in this section of the SAI.)
Under the 1940 Act, a Fund
generally
may not own more than 3% of
the outstanding voting stock of an investment company, invest more than 5% of its total assets in any one investment company, or invest more than 10% of its total assets in the securities of investment companies. In some instances, a Fund may invest in an investment company in excess of these limits; for instance, with respect to investments in money market funds or investments made pursuant to
exemptive rules adopted and/or orders
granted by the SEC.
The SEC
has adopted exemptive rules to permit funds of funds to exceed these limits when complying with certain conditions, which differ depending upon whether the funds in which a fund of funds invests are affiliated or unaffiliated with the fund of funds.
Many ETFs have obtained
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Description and Risks
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exemptive relief from the SEC to permit unaffiliated funds to invest in the ETF’s shares beyond the statutory limitations discussed above, subject to certain conditions. The Funds may rely on these exemptive rules and/or
orders to invest in
affiliated or unaffiliated mutual funds
and/or unaffiliated
ETFs. In addition to this, the Trust has obtained
exemptive relief permitting the Funds to exceed the limitations with respect to investments in affiliated and unaffiliated funds that are not themselves funds of funds, subject to certain conditions.
The risks associated with investing in other investment companies generally reflect the risks of owning shares of the underlying securities in which those investment companies invest, although lack of liquidity in an investment company could result in its value being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities. For purposes of complying with investment policies requiring a Fund to invest a percentage of its assets in a certain type of investments (e.g., stocks of small capitalization companies), the Fund generally will look through an investment company in which it invests, to categorize the investment company in accordance with the types of investments the investment company holds.
Certain investment companies in which the Funds may invest may be considered commodity pools under the CEA and applicable CFTC regulations. If a Fund invests in such an investment company, the Fund will be required to treat some or all of its holding of the investment company’s shares as a commodity interest for the purposes of determining whether the Fund is qualified to claim exclusion or exemption from regulation by the CFTC. (See “Commodity Interests” in this section of the SAI for additional information regarding the implications to the Funds of investing in commodity interests.)
Investors in each Fund should recognize that when a Fund invests in another investment company, the Fund will bear its pro rata portion of the other investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the expenses the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operations.
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Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
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Each Fund may invest in REITs. REITs pool investors’ funds for investment primarily in income producing commercial real estate or real estate related loans. A REIT is not taxed on income distributed to shareholders if it complies with several requirements relating to its organization, ownership, assets, and income and a requirement that it distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its taxable income (other than net capital gains) for each taxable year.
REITs can generally be classified as follows:
•
•
•
REITs are
structured similarly to
closed-end investment companies in
that they are essentially holding companies. An investor should realize that by investing in REITs indirectly through the Fund, he will bear not only his proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund, but also, indirectly, similar expenses of the underlying REITs. (See “Mutual Fund Investing” in this section of the SAI.)
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
|
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Selecting REITs requires an evaluation of the merits of each type of asset a particular REIT owns, as well as regional and local economics. Due to the proliferation of REITs in recent years and the relative lack of sophistication of certain REIT managers, the quality of REIT assets has varied significantly. The risks associated with REITs are similar to those associated with the direct ownership of real estate. These include declines in the value of real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, dependence on management skill, cash flow dependence, possible lack of availability of long-term mortgage funds, over-building, extended vacancies of properties, decreased occupancy rates and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in neighborhood values and the appeal of the properties to tenants and changes in interest rates.
Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying properties they own, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Further, equity and mortgage REITs are dependent upon management skills and generally are not diversified. Equity and mortgage REITs are also subject to potential defaults by borrowers, self-liquidation, and the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free status of income under the Code and failing to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act. In the event of a default by a borrower or lessee, the REIT may experience delays in enforcing its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur substantial costs associated with protecting its investments. In addition, investment in REITs could cause the Fund to possibly fail to qualify as a regulated investment company. (See the “Dividends, Distributions and Taxes” section of the SAI.)
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||
|
Repurchase Agreements
|
|
|
Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements by which the Fund purchases portfolio securities subject to the seller’s agreement to repurchase them at a mutually
agreed-upon
time and price. The
repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the difference being income to the Fund, or the purchase and repurchase price may be the same, with interest payable to the Fund at a stated rate together with the repurchase price on repurchase. In either case, the income to the Fund is unrelated to the interest rate on the security.
A repurchase agreement must be collateralized by obligations that could otherwise be purchased by the Fund (except with respect to maturity), and these must be maintained by the seller in a segregated account for the Fund. The value of such collateral will be monitored throughout the term of the repurchase agreement in an attempt to ensure that the market value of the collateral always equals or exceeds the repurchase price (including accrued interest). If the value of the collateral dips below such repurchase price, additional collateral will be requested and, when received, added to the account to maintain full collateralization.
Repurchase agreements will be entered into with commercial banks, brokers and dealers considered by the relevant Fund’s subadviser to be creditworthy. However, the use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks such as default by, or insolvency of, the other party to the transaction. The Fund also might incur disposition costs in connection with liquidating the underlying securities or enforcing its rights.
Typically, repurchase agreements are in effect for one week or less, but they may be in effect for longer periods of time.
|
|
|
Repurchase agreements of more than seven days’ duration are subject to each Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid securities, which means that no more than 15% of the market value of a Fund’s total assets may be invested in repurchase agreements with a maturity of more than seven days and in other illiquid securities.
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Securities Lending
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|
|
Subject to certain investment restrictions, each Fund may, subject to the Trustees’ and Trust Treasurer’s approval, lend securities from its portfolio to brokers, dealers and financial institutions deemed creditworthy and receive, as collateral, cash or cash equivalents which at all times while the loan is outstanding will be maintained in
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Investment Technique
|
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Description and Risks
|
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Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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|
amounts equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities. Any cash collateral will be invested in short-term securities that will increase the current income of the Fund lending its securities.
A Fund will have the right to regain record ownership of loaned securities to exercise beneficial rights such as voting rights and subscription rights. While a securities loan is outstanding, the Fund is to receive an amount equal to any dividends, interest or other distributions with respect to the loaned securities. A Fund may pay reasonable fees to persons unaffiliated with the Trust for services in arranging such loans.
Even though securities lending usually does not impose market risks on the lending Fund, as with any extension of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery of the loaned securities and in some cases loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. In addition, the value of the collateral taken as security for the securities loaned may decline in value or may be difficult to convert to cash in the event that a Fund must rely on the collateral to recover the value of the securities. Moreover, if the borrower of the securities is insolvent, under current bankruptcy law, the Fund could be ordered by a court not to liquidate the collateral for an indeterminate period of time. If the borrower is the subject of insolvency proceedings and the collateral held might not be liquidated, the result could be a material adverse impact on the liquidity of the lending Fund.
No Fund will lend securities having a value in excess of 33 1/3% of its assets, including collateral received for loaned securities (valued at the time of any loan).
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||
|
Short Sales
|
|
|
Each Fund may sell securities short as part of its overall portfolio management strategies involving the use of derivative instruments and to offset potential declines in long positions in similar securities. A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own or have the right to acquire, or that it owns but does not wish to deliver, in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline. A short sale is “against the box” to the extent the Fund contemporaneously owns, or has the right to obtain at no added cost, securities identical to those sold short. All other short sales are commonly referred to as “naked” short sales.
When a Fund makes a short sale, the broker-dealer through which the short sale is made must borrow the security sold short and deliver it to the party purchasing the security. The Fund is required to make a margin deposit in connection with such short sales; the Fund may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and will often be obligated to pay over any dividends and accrued interest on borrowed securities. If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the Fund covers its short position, the Fund will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the transaction costs described above. The successful use of short selling may be adversely affected by imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the security sold short and the securities being hedged.
If a Fund sells securities short against the box, it may protect unrealized gains, but will lose the opportunity to profit on such securities if the price rises. If a Fund engages in naked short sales, the Fund’s risk of loss could be as much as the maximum attainable price of the security (which could be limitless) less the price paid by the Fund for the security at the time it was borrowed.
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Investment Technique
|
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Description and Risks
|
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|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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|
|
When a Fund sells securities short, to the extent required by applicable law and regulation the Fund will “cover” the short sale, which generally means that the Fund will segregate any asset, including equity securities and non-investment-grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily, equal to the market value of the securities sold short, reduced by any amount deposited as margin. Alternatively, the Fund may “cover” a short sale by (a) owning the underlying securities, (b) owning securities currently convertible into the underlying securities at an exercise price equal to or less than the current market price of the underlying securities, or (c) owning a purchased call option on the underlying securities with an exercise price equal to or less than the price at which the underlying securities were sold short.
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||
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Special Situations
|
|
|
Each Fund may invest in special situations that the Fund’s subadviser believes present opportunities for capital growth. Such situations most typically include corporate restructurings, mergers, and tender offers.
A special situation arises when, in the opinion of the Fund’s subadviser, the securities of a particular company will, within a reasonably estimable period of time, be accorded market recognition at an appreciated value solely by reason of a development particularly or uniquely applicable to that company and regardless of general business conditions or movements of the market as a whole. Developments creating special situations might include, among others, the following: liquidations, reorganizations, recapitalizations, mergers, or tender offers; material litigation or resolution thereof; technological breakthroughs; and new management or management policies. Although large and well-known companies may be involved, special situations often involve much greater risk than is inherent in ordinary investment securities.
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Temporary Investments
|
|
|
When business or financial conditions warrant, each Fund may assume a temporary defensive position by investing in money-market instruments, including obligations of the U.S. Government and its agencies and instrumentalities, obligations of foreign sovereigns, other debt securities, commercial paper including bank obligations, certificates of deposit (including Eurodollar certificates of deposit) and repurchase agreements. (See “Money Market Instruments” in this section of the SAI for more information about these types of investments.)
For temporary defensive purposes, during periods in which a Fund’s subadviser believes adverse changes in economic, financial or political conditions make it advisable, the Fund may reduce its holdings in equity and other securities and may invest up to 100% of its assets in certain short-term (less than twelve months to maturity) and medium-term (not greater than five years to maturity) debt securities and in cash (U.S. dollars, foreign currencies, or multicurrency units). The short-term and medium-term debt securities in which a Fund may invest for temporary defensive purposes will be those that the Fund’s subadviser believes to be of high quality (i.e., subject to relatively low risk of loss of interest or principal). If rated, these securities will be rated in one of the three highest rating categories by rating services such as Moody’s or S&P (i.e., rated at least A).
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Warrants or Rights to Purchase Securities
|
|
|
Each Fund may invest in or acquire warrants or rights to purchase equity or fixed income securities at a specified price during a specific period of time. A Fund will make such investments only if the underlying securities are deemed appropriate by the Fund’s subadviser for inclusion in the Fund’s portfolio. Included are warrants and rights whose underlying securities are not traded on principal domestic or foreign exchanges. Warrants and stock rights are almost
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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identical to call options in their nature, use and effect except that they are issued by the issuer of the underlying security, rather than an option writer, and they generally have longer expiration dates than call options. (See “Options” in this section of the SAI for information about call options.)
Bonds with warrants attached to purchase equity securities have many characteristics of convertible bonds and their prices may, to some degree, reflect the performance of the underlying stock. However, unlike convertible securities and preferred stocks, warrants do not pay a fixed dividend. Bonds also may be issued with warrants attached to purchase additional fixed income securities at the same coupon rate. A decline in interest rates would permit a Fund holding such warrants to buy additional bonds at the favorable rate or to sell the warrants at a profit. If interest rates rise, the warrants would generally expire with no value.
A Fund may purchase put warrants and call warrants whose values vary depending on the change in the value of one or more specified securities indices (“index warrants”). Index warrants are generally issued by banks or other financial institutions and give the holder the right, at any time during the term of the warrant, to receive upon exercise of the warrant a cash payment from the issuer based on the value of the underlying index at the time of exercise. In general, if the value of the underlying index rises above the exercise price of the index warrant, the holder of a call warrant will be entitled to receive a cash payment from the issuer upon exercise based on the difference between the value of the index and the exercise price of the warrant; if the value of the underlying index falls, the holder of a put warrant will be entitled to receive a cash payment from the issuer upon exercise based on the difference between the exercise price of the warrant and the value of the index. The holder of a warrant would not be entitled to any payments from the issuer at any time when, in the case of a call warrant, the exercise price is greater than the value of the underlying index or, in the case of a put warrant, the exercise price is less than the value of the underlying index. If a Fund were not to exercise an index warrant prior to its expiration, then the Fund would lose the amount of the purchase price paid by it for the warrant.
A Fund will normally use index warrants in a manner similar to its use of options on securities indices. The risks of the Fund’s use of index warrants are generally similar to those relating to its use of index options. (See “Options” in this section of the SAI for information about index options.) Unlike most index options, however, index warrants are issued in limited amounts and are not obligations of a regulated clearing agency, but are backed only by the credit of the bank or other institution which issues the warrant. Also, index warrants generally have longer terms than index options. Although a Fund will normally invest only in exchange-listed warrants, index warrants are not likely to be as liquid as certain index options backed by a recognized clearing agency. In addition, the terms of index warrants may limit a Fund’s ability to exercise the warrants at such time, or in such quantities, as the Fund would otherwise wish to do.
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||
|
When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Transactions
|
|
|
Each Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis. These transactions are also known as delayed delivery transactions. (The phrase “delayed delivery” is not intended to include purchases where a delay in delivery involves only a brief period required by the selling party solely to locate appropriate certificates and prepare them for submission for clearance and settlement in the customary way.) Delayed delivery transactions involve a commitment by the Fund to purchase or sell securities at a future date (ordinarily up to 90 days later). The price of the underlying securities (usually expressed in terms of yield) and the date when the securities will be delivered and paid for (the settlement date) are fixed
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|
Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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at the time the transaction is negotiated. When-issued purchases and forward commitments are negotiated directly with the selling party.
When-issued purchases and forward commitments enable the Fund to lock in what is believed to be an attractive price or yield on a particular security for a period of time, regardless of future changes in interest rates. For example, in periods of rising interest rates and falling bond prices, the Fund might sell debt securities it owns on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising prices, the Fund might sell securities it owns and purchase the same or similar securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of currently higher yields. The Fund will not enter into such transactions for the purpose of leverage.
The value of securities purchased on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and any subsequent fluctuations in their value will be reflected in the Fund’s NAV starting on the first business day after the date of the agreement to purchase the securities. The Fund will be subject to the rights and risks of ownership of the securities on the agreement date. However, the Fund will not earn interest on securities it has committed to purchase until they are paid for and received. A seller’s failure to deliver securities to the Fund could prevent the Fund from realizing a price or yield considered to be advantageous and could cause the Fund to incur expenses associated with unwinding the transaction.
When a Fund makes a forward commitment to sell securities it owns, the proceeds to be received upon settlement will be included in the Fund’s assets. Fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities will not be reflected in the Fund’s NAV as long as the commitment to sell remains in effect. Settlement of when-issued purchases and forward commitment transactions generally takes place up to 90 days after the date of the transaction, but the Fund may agree to a longer settlement period.
The Funds will make commitments to purchase securities on a when-issued basis or to purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis only with the intention of completing the transaction and actually purchasing or selling the securities. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, a Fund may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after it is entered into. A Fund also may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the Fund on the settlement date. The Fund may realize a capital gain or loss in connection with these transactions.
When a Fund purchases securities on a when-issued or forward-commitment basis, the Fund will specifically designate on its accounting records securities having a value (determined daily) at least equal to the amount of the Fund’s purchase commitments. These procedures are designed to ensure that each Fund will maintain sufficient assets at all times to cover its obligations under when-issued purchases and forward commitments.
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||
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|
|
Name and Year of Birth
|
|
|
Length of Time Served
|
|
|
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee
|
|
|
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
|
|
|
Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Independent Trustees
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
||||
|
Mann, Thomas F.
YOB: 1950
|
|
|
Since
2013
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
Founder, MannMaxx Management (since 2010); Managing Director and Group Head Financial Institutions Group (2003 to 2012), Societe Generale Sales of Capital Market Solutions and
Products; and Member (2011
to 2015), F-Squared Investments, LLC.
|
|
|
Trustee (since 2002), The Hatteras Funds (20 portfolios);
Trustee/Director
(since
2011),
Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 portfolios); and Trustee (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (7 portfolios).
|
|
|
McLoughlin, Philip Chairman
YOB: 1946
|
|
|
Since
2013
|
|
|
76
|
|
|
Partner (2006 to 2010), Cross Pond Partners, LLC (investment management consultant); and Managing Director (2008 to 2010), SeaCap Partners, LLC
(investment management).
|
|
|
Director (since 1991) and Chairman (since 2010), World Trust
Fund (closed-end
investment firm in Luxembourg);
Director (since
1995), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (4 portfolios); Chairman (since 2002) and Trustee (since 1989), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex
(53
portfolios);
Chairman and Trustee (since 2003), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios);
Trustee/Director
and Chairman
(since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 portfolios);
and
Trustee and Chairman (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (7
portfolios).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
Name and Year of Birth
|
|
|
Length of Time Served
|
|
|
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee
|
|
|
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
|
|
|
Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Moyer, William R.
YOB: 1944
|
|
|
Since
2013
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
Financial and Operations Principal (2006 to present), Newcastle Distributors LLC (broker dealer); Partner (2006 to 2012),
Cross Pond
Partners,
LLC (strategy consulting firm);
Partner (2008 to 2010), Seacap Partners, LLC (investment management); Director and Treasurer, CT Invention Convention (since 1986); and former Chief Financial Officer, Phoenix Investment Partners.
|
|
|
Trustee/Director
(since
2011),
Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 portfolios); and Trustee (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (7 portfolios).
|
|
|
Oates, James M.
YOB: 1946
|
|
|
Since
2013
|
|
|
63
|
|
|
Managing Director (since 1994), Wydown Group (consulting firm).
|
|
|
Trustee (since 1987), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex
(53
portfolios); Director (since 1996), Stifel Financial; Director (1998 to 2014), Connecticut River Bancorp; Chairman and Director (1999 to 2014), Connecticut River Bank; Chairman (since 2000), Emerson Investment Management, Inc.; Director (2002 to 2014), New Hampshire Trust Company; Chairman and Trustee (since 2005), John Hancock Fund Complex (228 portfolios); Non-Executive Chairman
(since 2007),
Hudson
Castle Group, Inc. (formerly IBEX Capital Markets, Inc.) (financial services); Trustee/Director (since 2013), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 portfolios); and Trustee (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Funds (7 portfolios).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Year of Birth
|
|
|
Length of Time Served
|
|
|
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee
|
|
|
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
|
|
|
Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Interested Trustee
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Year of Birth
|
|
|
Length of Time Served
|
|
|
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee
|
|
|
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
|
|
|
Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aylward, George R.
YOB: 1964
|
|
|
Since
2013
|
|
|
74
|
|
|
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2008), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; and various senior officer positions with Virtus affiliates (since 2005).
|
|
|
Trustee (since 2006), Virtus Mutual Funds
(53
portfolios);
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2006), The Zweig Closed-End Funds (2 portfolios); Trustee (since 2012), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Trustee and President (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 portfolios); Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds, PLC (2 portfolios);
Trustee
(since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (7
portfolios);
and Chairman and Trustee (since 2015), Virtus ETF Trust II.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name, Address and Year of Birth
|
|
|
Position(s) Held with the Trust and Length of Time Served
|
|
|
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bradley, W. Patrick
YOB: 1972
|
|
|
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since 2013
|
|
|
Senior Vice President, Fund Services (since 2010), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2006) with Virtus affiliates; Senior Vice President (since 2013), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2004), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Senior Vice President (since 2013), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2006), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Senior Vice President (since 2013), Vice President (2012 to 2013) and Treasurer (Chief Financial Officer) (since 2007), The Zweig Closed-End Funds; Senior Vice President (since 2013), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Vice President and Assistant Treasurer (since 2011), Duff & Phelps Global Utility Income Fund Inc.; Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds, PLC; and Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust.
|
|
|
Engberg, Nancy J.
YOB: 1956
|
|
|
Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer since 2013
|
|
|
Vice President (since 2008) and Chief Compliance Officer (2008 to 2011), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2003) with Virtus affiliates; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Vice President (since 2010), Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2012), The Zweig Closed-End Funds;
Vice
President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions
Trust; Chief Compliance Officer (since
2015), ETFis Series Trust I; and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2015), ETF Series Trust II .
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name, Address and Year of Birth
|
|
|
Position(s) Held with the Trust and Length of Time Served
|
|
|
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fromm, Jennifer
YOB: 1973
|
|
|
Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Secretary since 2013
|
|
|
Senior Counsel, Legal, Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries (since 2007); Assistant Secretary of various Virtus-affiliated open-end funds (since 2008); Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Secretary of Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (since 2013); and Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Secretary
(since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions
Trust.
|
|
|
Waltman, Francis G.
YOB: 1962
|
|
|
Executive Vice President since 2013
|
|
|
Executive Vice President, Product Development (since 2009), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various senior officer positions (since 2006) with Virtus affiliates; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2008 to 2013), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2010 to 2013), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2011 to 2013), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds PLC; and Executive Vice President (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in a Fund of the Trust
|
|
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of Trustee Ownership in all Funds Overseen by Trustee in Family of Investment Companies
|
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Independent Trustees
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Thomas F. Mann
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Over $100,000
|
|
|
Philip McLoughlin
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Over $100,000
|
|
|
William R. Moyer
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
$50,001-$100,000
|
|
|
James M. Oates
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Over $100,000
|
|
|
Interested Trustee
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
George R. Aylward
|
|
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund - $10,001-$50,000
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund - $10,001-$50,000
Alternative Total Solution Fund - $10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
Over $100,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate Compensation from the Trust
|
|
|
Total Compensation From Trust and Fund Complex Paid to Trustees
|
|
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Independent Trustees
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas F. Mann
|
|
|
|
$
|
49,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
125,500
|
|
|
|
|
(10
funds)
|
|
|
Philip R. McLoughlin
|
|
|
|
$
|
67,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
722,000
|
|
|
|
|
(69
funds)
|
|
|
William R. Moyer
|
|
|
|
$
|
52,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
131,500
|
|
|
|
|
(10
funds)
|
|
|
James M. Oates
|
|
|
|
$
|
47,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
374,500
|
|
|
|
|
(56
funds)
|
|
|
Interested Trustee
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
George R. Aylward
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
Investment Advisory Fee
|
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Credit Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
0.75%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Select MLP and Energy Fund
|
|
|
1.00%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
st
$5 Billion
|
|
|
$5+ Billion
|
|
|
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund*
|
|
|
1.80%
|
|
|
1.75%
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund*
|
|
|
1.75%
|
|
|
1.70%
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund*
|
|
|
1.95%
|
|
|
1.90%
|
|
|
Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
|
|
|
1.30%
|
|
|
1.25%
|
|
|
Strategic Income Fund*
|
|
|
0.80%
|
|
|
0.75%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Class C
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
|
Class R6
|
|
|
Through Date
|
|
||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
|
|
2.45
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.20
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.20
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
March
1, 2017
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
|
|
2.40
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.15
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.15
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
March
1, 2017
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
|
|
2.60
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.35
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.35
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.34
|
%
|
|
|
|
March
1, 2017
|
|
|
Credit Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
|
|
1.35
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.10
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.10
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.04
|
%
|
|
|
|
March
1,
2017
|
|
|
Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
|
|
|
|
|
1.80
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.55
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.55
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
March
1,
2017
|
|
|
Select MLP and Energy Fund
|
|
|
|
|
1.55
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.30
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.30
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
March
1,
2017
|
|
|
Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
|
|
1.40
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.15
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.15
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
March
1, 2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
Gross Advisory Fee ($)
|
|
|
Advisory Fee Waived and/or Expenses Reimbursed ($)
|
|
|
Net Advisory Fee ($)
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
391,285
|
|
|
|
|
743,047
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
233,757
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
422,713
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
157,528
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
320,334
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
299,271
|
|
|
|
|
562,961
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
214,605
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
405,688
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
84,666
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
157,273
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
651,816
|
|
|
|
|
1,731,218
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
323,593
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
637,020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
249,777
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,094,198
|
|
|
|
|
Credit Opportunities Fund
*
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
288,386
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
174,600
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
113,786
|
|
|
|
|
Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
*
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
185,951
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
227,795
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(41,844
|
)
|
|
|
|
Select MLP and Energy Fund
*
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
6,851
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52,225
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(45,374
|
)
|
|
|
|
Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
28,262
|
|
|
|
|
211,474
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
87,340
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
215,484
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(58,078
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,010
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross Subadvisory Fee
($)
|
|
|
Subadvisory Fee Waived and/or Expenses Reimbursed
($)
|
|
|
Net Subadvisory Fee ($)
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fund
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2015
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
158,873
|
|
|
|
|
300,091
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
158,873
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
300,091
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
102,567
|
|
|
|
|
192,967
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
102,567
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
192,967
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
275,202
|
|
|
|
|
720,888
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
275,202
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
720,888
|
|
|
|
|
Credit Opportunities Fund
*
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
144,194
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
87,300
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56,894
|
|
|
|
|
Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
*
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
107,280
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
107,280
|
|
|
|
|
Select MLP and Energy Fund
*
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
3,425
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,113
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(22,688
|
)
|
|
|
|
Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
14,131
|
|
|
|
|
105,737
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
76,488
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
107,742
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(62,357
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,005
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
Administration Fee ($)
|
|
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|||||||||
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
|
|
21,738
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,280
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
|
|
17,101
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,169
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
|
|
33,085
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
85,766
|
|
|
|
|
Credit Opportunities Fund
*
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38,452
|
|
|
|
|
Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
*
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,304
|
|
|
|
|
Select MLP and Energy Fund
*
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
685
|
|
|
|
|
Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
|
|
3,532
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,434
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Sub-administrative Fees ($)
|
|
|
Fees Waived by Sub-administrator ($)
|
|
|
Net Sub-administrative Fees ($)
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fund
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2015
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
126,413
|
|
|
|
|
112,242
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,946
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,051
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
84,467
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
73,191
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
126,413
|
|
|
|
|
99,999
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
44,102
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,128
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
82,310
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
58,871
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
165,163
|
|
|
|
|
172,242
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36,670
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31,346
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
128,493
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
140,896
|
|
|
|
|
Credit Opportunities Fund
*
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
29,589
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,709
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,880
|
|
|
|
|
Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
*
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
20,959
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,308
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,651
|
|
|
|
|
Select MLP and Energy Fund
*
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
10,479
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,161
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
318
|
|
|
|
|
Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
21,102
|
|
|
|
|
75,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,042
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
54,073
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,060
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,927
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate Underwriting Commissions ($)
|
|
|
Amount Retained by the Distributors ($)
|
|
|
Amount Reallowed ($)
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fund
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2015
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
4,599
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
657
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,942
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
750
|
|
|
|
|
1,105
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
106
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
167
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
644
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
938
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
3,857
|
|
|
|
|
38,156
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
567
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,360
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,290
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,796
|
|
|
|
|
Credit Opportunities Fund
*
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
*
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
464
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
108
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
356
|
|
|
|
|
Select MLP and Energy Fund
*
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate Underwriting Commissions ($)
|
|
|
Amount Retained by the Distributors ($)
|
|
|
Amount Reallowed ($)
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fund
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2015
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
1,355
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,322
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount of Transaction at Offering Price
|
|
|
Sales Charge as a Percentage of Offering Price
|
|
|
Sales Charge as a Percentage of Amount Invested
|
|
|
Dealer Discount as a Percentage of Offering Price
|
|
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Under $50,000
|
|
|
|
|
3.75
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.90
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.25
|
%
|
|
|
|
$50,000 but under $100,000
|
|
|
|
|
3.50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.63
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.00
|
|
|
|
|
$100,000 but under $250,000
|
|
|
|
|
3.25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.36
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.75
|
|
|
|
|
$250,000 but under $500,000
|
|
|
|
|
2.25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.00
|
|
|
|
|
$500,000 but under $1,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
1.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.78
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.50
|
|
|
|
|
$1,000,000 or more
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount of Transaction at Offering Price
|
|
|
Sales Charge as Percentage of Offering Price
|
|
|
Sales Charge as Percentage of Net Amount Invested
|
|
|
Dealer Discount or Agency Fee as Percentage of Offering Price
|
|
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Less than $50,000
|
|
|
|
|
5.75
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.10
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.00
|
%
|
|
|
|
$50,000 but under $100,000
|
|
|
|
|
4.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.99
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.25
|
|
|
|
|
$100,000 but under $250,000
|
|
|
|
|
3.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.90
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.25
|
|
|
|
|
$250,000 but under $500,000
|
|
|
|
|
2.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.83
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.25
|
|
|
|
|
$500,000 but under $1,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
2.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.04
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.75
|
|
|
|
|
$1,000,000 or more
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
Rule 12b-1 Fees Paid ($)
|
|
|
Rule 12b-1 Fees Waived ($)
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
|
|
734
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
|
|
530
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,291
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
|
|
3,875
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52,633
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
Credit Opportunities Fund
*
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
489
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
*
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
727
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
Select MLP and Energy Fund
*
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
172
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
|
|
73
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,183
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
Portfolio Manager
(s)
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
Kathleen Barchick
Eric Conklin
Stanley Kraska
Warun Kumar
Donald E. Morgan III
Stephen Nesbitt
Keith Pauley
Peter Reed
Amy Robinson
Patrick Ryan
Nathan Sandler
David Steinberg
Daniel Stern
Ron Temple
Kyle Waldhauer
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
Adnan Akant
Kathleen Barchick
Christopher Burton
Eric Conklin
Stanley Kraska
Warun Kumar
Nelson Louie
Stephen Nesbitt
Donald E. Morgan III
John Mulquiney
Keith Pauley
Warryn Robertson
Amy Robinson
Cedric Scholtes
Daniel Stern
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
Adnan Akant
Kathleen Barchick
Frank Bianco
Pablo Calderini
Eric Conklin
Malcolm Fairbairn
Stanley Kraska
Warun Kumar
Donald E. Morgan III
John Mulquiney
Stephen Nesbitt
Keith Pauley
Peter Reed
Sean Reynolds
Warryn Robertson
Amy Robinson
Nathan Sandler
Cedric Scholtes
David Steinberg
Daniel Stern
Kenneth G. Tropin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
Portfolio Manager
(s)
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Credit Opportunties Fund
|
|
|
David L. Albrycht, CFA
Edwin Tai, CFA
|
|
|
Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
|
|
|
Peter Fitzgerald, CFA
Daniel James
Ian Pizer, PhD, CFA
Brendan Walsh, PhD
|
|
|
Select MLP and Energy Fund
|
|
|
Charles J. Georgas, CFA
David D. Grumhaus, Jr.
|
|
|
Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
David L. Albrycht, CFA
Francesco Ossino
Jonathan R. Stanley, CFA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered Investment Companies
|
|
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles (PIVs)
|
|
|
Other Accounts
|
|
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Portfolio Manager
|
|
|
Number of Accounts
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
Number of Accounts
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
Number of Accounts
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
Adnan Akant
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$379 million
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$109 million
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
David L. Albrycht
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
$10.4
billion
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$27.2
million
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Kathleen Barchick
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
$182
million
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Frank Bianco
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
$158
million
|
|
|
28
|
|
|
$1.05 billion
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
$273
million
|
|
|
Christopher Burton
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
$6.15
billion
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
$1.77
billion
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
$1.49 billion
|
|
|
Pablo Calderini
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
$1.68 billion
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
$33 million
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
$191
million
|
|
|
Eric Conklin
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
$2.1
billion
|
|
|
84
|
|
|
$5.02
billion
|
|
|
Malcolm Fairbairn
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
$3.05 billion
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
$483 million
|
|
|
Peter
Fitzgerald
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
$46
billion
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Charles J.
Georgas
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$336
million
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
David D. Grumhaus,
Jr.
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$336
million
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Daniel
James
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
$1.2 billion
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Stanley Kraska
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
$123
million
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
$11.3
billion
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
$1.82
billion
|
|
|
Warun Kumar
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
$3.42 billion
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Nelson Louie
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
$6.15
billion
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
$1.77
billion
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
$1.49
billion
|
|
|
Donald E. Morgan III
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
$1.09
billion
|
|
|
35
|
|
|
$11.1
billion
|
|
|
21
|
|
|
$4.35
billion
|
|
|
John Mulquiney
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
$158 million
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
$2.42
billion
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
$2.28
billion
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered Investment Companies
|
|
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles (PIVs)
|
|
|
Other Accounts
|
|
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Portfolio Manager
|
|
|
Number of Accounts
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
Number of Accounts
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
Number of Accounts
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
Stephen Nesbitt
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
$182
million
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Francesco Ossino
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
$1
billion
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
$137
million
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Keith Pauley
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
$123
million
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
$11.3
billion
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
$1.82
billion
|
|
|
Ian
Pizer
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
$4.4
billion
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Peter Reed
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$34.5 million
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Sean Reynolds
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
$158
million
|
|
|
28
|
|
|
$1.05 billion
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
$273
million
|
|
|
Warryn Robertson
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
$3.01 billion
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
$2.57
billion
|
|
|
24
|
|
|
$4.91
billion
|
|
|
Amy Robinson
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
$2.81
billion
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Patrick Ryan
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
$276
million
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
$1.51
billion
|
|
|
47
|
|
|
$2.06
billion
|
|
|
Nathan Sandler
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$79
million
|
|
|
Cedric Scholtes
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$213 million
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$20.1 million
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
$4.61 billion
|
|
|
Jonathan R. Stanley
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
$706
million
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
David Steinberg
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$34.5 million
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Daniel Stern
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
$182
million
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Edwin
Tai
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Ron Temple
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
$9.21 billion
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
$1.67 billion
|
|
|
174
|
|
|
$6.73 billion
|
|
|
Kenneth G. Tropin
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
$1.68 billion
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
$33 million
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
$191
million
|
|
|
Kyle Waldhauer
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
$276
million
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
$1.13
billion
|
|
|
47
|
|
|
$2.06
billion
|
|
|
Brendan Walsh
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
$4.4 billion
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered Investment Companies
|
|
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles (PIVs)
|
|
|
Other Accounts
|
|
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Portfolio Manager
|
|
|
Number of Accounts
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
Number of Accounts
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
Number of Accounts
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
Adnan Akant
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
David L. Albrycht
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
$136 million
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Kathleen Barchick
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Frank Bianco
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
$298
million
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
$236 million
|
|
|
Christopher Burton
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
$31.1
million
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Pablo Calderini
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
$4.37
billion
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
$3.91
billion
|
|
|
Eric Conklin
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$18
million
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
$240
million
|
|
|
Malcolm Fairbairn
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Peter
Fitzgerald
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Charles J.
Georgas
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
David D. Grumhaus,
Jr.
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Daniel
James
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Stanley Kraska
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
$106
million
|
|
|
Warun Kumar
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Nelson Louie
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
$31.1
million
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Donald E. Morgan III
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
$4.52
billion
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
$483
million
|
|
|
John Mulquiney
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Stephen Nesbitt
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Francesco Ossino
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$85.6 million
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$59 million
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Keith Pauley
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
$106
million
|
|
|
Ian
Pizer
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Peter Reed
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
$1.14
billion
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Sean Reynolds
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
$298
million
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
$236
million
|
|
|
Warryn Robertson
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0 billion
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
$1.04
billion
|
|
|
Amy Robinson
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$600 million
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Patrick Ryan
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Nathan Sandler
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
$556
million
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered Investment Companies
|
|
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles (PIVs)
|
|
|
Other Accounts
|
|
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Portfolio Manager
|
|
|
Number of Accounts
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
Number of Accounts
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
Number of Accounts
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
Cedric Scholtes
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
$1.13 billion
|
|
|
Jonathan R. Stanley
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
David Steinberg
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
$1.14
billion
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Daniel Stern
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Edwin
Tai
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Ron Temple
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$7.71 billion
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$449 million
|
|
|
Kenneth G. Tropin
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
$4.37
billion
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
$3.91
billion
|
|
|
Kyle Waldhauer
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
Brendan Walsh
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
Performance Benchmark
|
|
|
Peer Group (Lipper Universe Average)
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Credit Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
50% Barclays High-Yield Index/50% Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index
|
|
|
Lipper High Yield
|
|
|
Select MLP and Energy Fund
|
|
|
Alerian MLP Index
|
|
|
Energy MLP Funds
|
|
|
Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
BofA ML U.S. Dollar Three-Month LIBOR Constant Maturity Index
|
|
|
Lipper Alternative Credit Focus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Manager
|
|
|
Dollar Range of Equity Securities Beneficially Owned in Fund Managed
|
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Adnan Akant
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
David L. Albrycht
|
|
|
Credit Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
Strategic Income
Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Kathleen Barchick
|
|
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
Frank Bianco
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Christopher Burton
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Pablo Calderini
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Eric Conklin
|
|
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
Malcolm Fairbairn
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Peter
Fitzgerald
|
|
|
Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Charles J.
Georgas
|
|
|
Select MLP and Energy Fund
|
|
|
$1-$10,000
|
|
|
David D.
Grumhaus
|
|
|
Select MLP and Energy Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Daniel
James
|
|
|
Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Stanley Kraska
|
|
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
Warun Kumar
|
|
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
Nelson Louie
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Donald E. Morgan III
|
|
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
John Mulquiney
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
Stephen Nesbitt
|
|
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
Francesco Ossino
|
|
|
Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Keith Pauley
|
|
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
Ian
Pizer
|
|
|
Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Peter Reed
|
|
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
Sean Reynolds
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Warryn Robertson
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
Amy Robinson
|
|
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Manager
|
|
|
Dollar Range of Equity Securities Beneficially Owned in Fund Managed
|
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Patrick Ryan
|
|
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Nathan Sandler
|
|
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
Cedric Scholtes
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
Jonathan R. Stanley
|
|
|
Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
David Steinberg
|
|
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
Daniel Stern
|
|
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
Edwin
Tai
|
|
|
Credit Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Ron Temple
|
|
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Kenneth G. Tropin
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Kyle Waldhauer
|
|
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
Brendan Walsh
|
|
|
Multi-Strategy Target Return
Fund
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions ($)
|
|
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|||||||||
|
Alternative Income Solution Fund
|
|
|
|
|
13,292
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,501
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
|
|
|
|
|
11,412
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,225
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
|
|
79,060
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
125,170
|
|
|
|
|
Credit Opportunities Fund
*
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,844
|
|
|
|
|
Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
*
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
Select MLP and Energy Fund
*
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,043
|
|
|
|
|
Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
|
|
3,954
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,261
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
Broker/Dealer
|
|
|
Value ($000)
|
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Alternative Total Solution Fund
|
|
|
Bank of America Corp.
|
|
|
|
$
|
11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Citigroup
|
|
|
|
$
|
122
|
|
|
|
|
|
Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
Bank of America Corp.
|
|
|
|
$
|
185
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Citigroup
|
|
|
|
$
|
186
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit Suisse
|
|
|
|
$
|
102
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
|
|
|
|
$
|
25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Morgan Stanley
|
|
|
|
$
|
100
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
APPENDIX B — CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth information as of February 2, 2016, with respect to each person who owns of record or is known by the Trust to own of record or beneficially own 5% or more of any class of any Fund’s outstanding securities (Principal Shareholders) and the name of each person who has beneficial ownership, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a Fund (Control Person), as noted below.
*These entities are omnibus accounts for many individual shareholder accounts. The Funds are not aware of the size or identity of the underlying individual accounts.
CONTROL PERSON NAME AND ADDRESS | FUND |
PERCENTAGE
(%) OF FUND OUTSTANDING |
||
VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND
ATTN MICHAEL SOLLICITO 100 PEARL ST FL 7 HARTFORD CT 06103-4500 |
VIRTUS CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND | 71.36% | ||
VIRTUS PARTNERS INC | VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE INCOME SOLUTION FUND | 97.62% | ||
100 PEARL ST 8TH FL | VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE INFLATION SOLUTION FUND | 94.51% | ||
HARTFORD CT 06103-4500 | VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE TOTAL SOLUTION FUND | 59.36% | ||
VIRTUS MULTI-STRATEGY TARGET RETURN | 54.28% | |||
VIRTUS SELECT MLP AND ENERGY FUND | 99.17% | |||
VIRTUS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND | 84.14% |
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDER
NAME AND ADDRESS |
FUND/CLASS |
PERCENTAGE
(%) OF CLASS OUTSTANDING |
||
AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC* | VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE INCOME SOLUTION FUND-CLASS A | 32.54 | ||
FBO #XXXX9970 | VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE INCOME SOLUTION FUND-CLASS C | 47.85 | ||
707 2ND AVE S | VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE INFLATION SOLUTION FUND-CLASS C | 40.28 | ||
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405 | VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE TOTAL SOLUTION FUND-CLASS A | 50.24 | ||
VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE TOTAL SOLUTION FUND-CLASS C | 17.97 | |||
VIRTUS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND-CLASS A | 9.57 | |||
VIRTUS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND-CLASS C | 16.89 | |||
BNYM I S TRUST CO
CUST FOR THE IRA OF GALEN P MCKENNEY 400 EXETER RD CORINNA ME 04928-3514 |
VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE INFLATION SOLUTION FUND-CLASS A | 15.00 | ||
BNYM I S TRUST CO
CUST FOR THE IRA OF MICHAEL T CARR 1023 BUCK HILL DR VEAZIE ME 04401-7009 |
VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE INFLATION SOLUTION FUND-CLASS A | 9.22 | ||
BNYM I S TRUST CO
CUST FOR THE IRA ROLLOVER OF TERI JORDAN CARR 1023 BUCK HILL DR VEAZIE ME 04401-7009 |
VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE INFLATION SOLUTION FUND-CLASS A | 11.47 | ||
BNYM I S TRUST CO
CUST FOR THE SEP IRA OF MICHAEL F MOSSEY 69 PRILAY RD NEWPORT ME 04953-3833 |
VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE INFLATION SOLUTION FUND-CLASS A | 7.12 | ||
CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC* | VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE TOTAL SOLUTION FUND-CLASS A | 11.37 | ||
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FBO CUSTOMERS | VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE TOTAL SOLUTION FUND-CLASS C | 7.57 | ||
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS | VIRTUS SELECT MLP AND ENERGY FUND-CLASS A | 19.16 | ||
101 MONTGOMERY ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151 |
VIRTUS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND-CLASS A | 48.05 | ||
DELMONT E HARTT
SHEILA A HARTT JTWROS 73 HORSEBACK RD CARMEL ME 04419-3301 |
VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE INCOME SOLUTION FUND-CLASS A | 22.37 | ||
FIRST CLEARING LLCC*
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER 2801 MARKET STREET ST LOUIS MO 63103 |
VIRTUS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND-CLASS A | 10.94 |
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDER
NAME AND ADDRESS |
FUND/CLASS |
PERCENTAGE
(%) OF CLASS OUTSTANDING |
||
GALEN P MCKENNEY TOD
400 EXETER RD CORINNA ME 04928-3514 |
VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE INFLATION SOLUTION FUND-CLASS A | 18.83 | ||
LPL FINANCIAL* | VIRTUS MULTI-STRATEGY TARGET RETURN-CLASS A | 40.67 | ||
OMNIBUS CUSTOMER ACCOUNT | VIRTUS MULTI-STRATEGY TARGET RETURN-CLASS C | 12.75 | ||
ATTN LINDSAY OTOOLE
4707 EXECUTIVE DRIVE SAN DIEGO CA 92121 |
VIRTUS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND-CLASS C | 8.57 | ||
MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY* | VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE TOTAL SOLUTION FUND-CLASS A | 20.62 | ||
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CTR PLZ 2 FL 3 | VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE TOTAL SOLUTION FUND-CLASS C | 48.04 | ||
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311 | VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE TOTAL SOLUTION FUND-CLASS I | 23.85 | ||
VIRTUS MULTI-STRATEGY TARGET RETURN-CLASS C | 25.59 | |||
VIRTUS MULTI-STRATEGY TARGET RETURN-CLASS I | 21.68 | |||
NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC* | VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE INFLATION SOLUTION FUND-CLASS A | 7.44 | ||
FOR EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS | VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE TOTAL SOLUTION FUND-CLASS C | 5.62 | ||
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FLOOR | VIRTUS MULTI-STRATEGY TARGET RETURN-CLASS A | 14.72 | ||
499 WASHINGTON BLVD
JERSEY CITY NJ 07310 |
VIRTUS MULTI-STRATEGY TARGET RETURN-CLASS I | 8.69 | ||
OPPENHEIMER & CO INC.
FBO RUSSELL GOODALE & CATHERINE GOODALE JTWROS 113 SOUTHFIELDS RD RIVERHEAD NY 11901 |
VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE INCOME SOLUTION FUND-CLASS C | 10.40 | ||
PERSHING LLC* | VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE INCOME SOLUTION FUND-CLASS A | 13.64 | ||
1 PERSHING PLAZA | VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE TOTAL SOLUTION FUND-CLASS A | 8.95 | ||
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002 | VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE TOTAL SOLUTION FUND-CLASS C | 15.65 | ||
VIRTUS CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND-CLASS A | 58.71 | |||
VIRTUS MULTI-STRATEGY TARGET RETURN-CLASS A | 23.96 | |||
VIRTUS MULTI-STRATEGY TARGET RETURN-CLASS C | 55.88 | |||
VIRTUS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND-CLASS C | 54.76 | |||
UBS WM USA*
XXX XXXXX 6100 OMNI ACCOUNT M/F ATTN DEPARTMENT MANAGER 1000 HARBOR BLVD FL 5 WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761 |
VIRTUS CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND-CLASS I | 50.41 | ||
VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND
ATTN MICHAEL SOLLICITO 100 PEARL ST FL 7 HARTFORD CT 06103-4500 |
VIRTUS CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND-CLASS R6 | 9.59 | ||
VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND
ATTN MICHAEL SOLLICITO 100 PEARL ST FL 7 HARTFORD CT 06103-4500 |
VIRTUS CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND-CLASS R6 | 71.76 | ||
VIRTUS PARTNERS INC | VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE INCOME SOLUTION FUND-CLASS A | 15.75 | ||
100 PEARL ST 8TH FL | VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE INCOME SOLUTION FUND-CLASS C | 21.01 | ||
HARTFORD CT 06103-4500 | VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE INCOME SOLUTION FUND-CLASS I | 99.82 | ||
VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE INFLATION SOLUTION FUND-CLASS A | 11.90 | |||
VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE INFLATION SOLUTION FUND-CLASS C | 59.64 | |||
VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE INFLATION SOLUTION FUND-CLASS I | 99.65 | |||
VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE TOTAL SOLUTION FUND-CLASS I | 69.63 | |||
VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE TOTAL SOLUTION FUND-CLASS R6 | 100.00 | |||
VIRTUS CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND-CLASS A | 41.29 | |||
VIRTUS CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND-CLASS C | 100.00 | |||
VIRTUS CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND-CLASS I | 49.59 | |||
VIRTUS MULTI-STRATEGY TARGET RETURN-CLASS I | 58.10 | |||
VIRTUS SELECT MLP AND ENERGY FUND-CLASS A | 70.44 | |||
VIRTUS SELECT MLP AND ENERGY FUND-CLASS C | 100.00 | |||
VIRTUS SELECT MLP AND ENERGY FUND-CLASS I | 100.00 | |||
VIRTUS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND-CLASS C | 8.23 | |||
VIRTUS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND-CLASS I | 93.94 | |||
VIRTUS SENIOR FLOATING RATE FUND
ATTN MICHAEL SOLLICITO 100 PEARL ST FL 7 HARTFORD CT 06103-4500 |
VIRTUS CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND-CLASS R6 | 6.88 |
VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TRUST
PART C — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28. Exhibits
(a) | Agreement and Declaration of Trust. |
1. | Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Registrant dated December 3, 2013, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit a.1) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on March 28, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
(b) | Bylaws. |
1. | Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant dated December 3, 2013, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit b.1) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on March 28, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
(c) | Reference is made to Articles III, V and VI of Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust and Articles II, VII and VIII of Registrant’s By-Laws. See Exhibits (a) and (b). |
(d) | Investment Advisory Contracts. |
1. | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Virtus Alternative Investment Advisers, Inc. (“VAIA”) effective February 19, 2014, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.1) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on March 28, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
a) | First Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and VAIA effective September 8, 2014, filed via EDGAR with Post-effective Amendment No. 4 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on September 8, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
b) | Second Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and VAIA effective April 29, 2015, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.1.b) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on June 5, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
c) | Third Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and VAIA effective June 4, 2015, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.1.c) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on June 5, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
d) | Fourth Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and VAIA effective September 8, 2015, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.1.d) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on September 8, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
2. | Subadvisory Agreement between VAIA and Ascend Capital LLC (“Ascend”) with respect to Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.3) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 4 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on April 4, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
3. | Subadvisory Agreement between VAIA and Brigade Capital Management, LLC (“Brigade”) with respect to Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund, Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.4) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 4 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on April 4, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
4. | Subadvisory Agreement between VAIA and Cliffwater Investments LLC (“Cliffwater”) with respect to Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund, Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.5) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 4 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on April 4, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
5. | Subadvisory Agreement between VAIA and Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC (“Credit Suisse”) with respect to Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.6) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 4 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on April 4, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
6. | *Subadvisory Agreement between VAIA and Fischer, Francis, Trees & Watts, Inc. (“FFTW”) with respect to Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.6) herewith. |
7. | Subadvisory Agreement between VAIA and Graham Capital Management, L.P. (“GCM”) with respect to Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.7) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 5 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on April 16, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
8. | Subadvisory Agreement between VAIA and Harvest Fund Advisors LLC (“Harvest”) with respect to Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund, Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.7) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 4 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on April 4, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
9. | Subadvisory Agreement between VAIA and ICE Canyon LLC (“ICE Canyon”) with respect to Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund and Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.9) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 5 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on April 16, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
10. | Subadvisory Agreement between VAIA and LaSalle Investment Management Securities, LLC (“LaSalle”) with respect to Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund, Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.10) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 4 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on April 4, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
11. | Subadvisory Agreement between VAIA and Lazard Asset Management LLC (“Lazard”) with respect to Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund, Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.11) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 4 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on April 4, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
12. | Subadvisory Agreement between VAIA and MAST Capital Management, LLC (“MAST”) with respect to Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund and Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.12) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 4 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on April 4, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
13. | Investment Advisory Agreement between VAIA and VATS Offshore Fund, Ltd. (“VATS”) filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.14) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 5 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on April 16, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
14. | Subadvisory Agreement between VAIA and Cliffwater with respect to VATS filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.15) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 5 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on April 16, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
15. | Subadvisory Agreement between VAIA and GCM with respect to VATS filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.16) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 5 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on April 16, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
16. | Corrected Subadvisory Agreement between VAIA and Newfleet Asset Management, LLC (“Newfleet”) with respect to Virtus Strategic Income Fund filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.17) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on September 8, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
17. | Subadvisory Agreement between VAIA and Aviva Investors Americas LLC (“AIA”) with respect to Virtus Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.18) with Post-effective Amendment No. 16 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on May 29, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
18. | Corrected Subadvisory Agreement between VAIA and Newfleet with respect to Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.19) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on September 8, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
19. | Subadvisory Agreement between VAIA and Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (“Duff & Phelps”) with respect to Virtus Select MLP and Energy Fund, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.20) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on September 8, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
(e) | Underwriting Agreement |
1. | Underwriting Agreement with VP Distributors, LLC (“VP Distributors”) dated February 19, 2014, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit e.1) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on March 28, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
2. | Form of Sales Agreement between VP Distributors and dealers, effective January, 2016, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit e.2) with Post-effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registration Statement of Virtus Retirement Trust (“VRT”) (File No. 033-80057) on January 8, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference. |
(f) | None. |
(g) | Custodian Agreement |
1. | Custody Agreement between Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon dated March 21, 2014, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit g.1) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on March 28, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
a) | Amendment to Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon dated as of August 19, 2014, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit g.1.a) with Post-effective Amendment No. 4 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on September 8, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
b) | Amendment to Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon effective May 19, 2015, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit g.1.b) with Post-effective Amendment No. 16 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on May 29, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
c) | *Amendment to Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon dated as of September 1, 2015, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit g.1.c) herewith. |
2. | Foreign Custody Manager Agreement between Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit g.2) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 4 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on April 4, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
a) | Amendment to Foreign Custody Manager Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon dated as of August 19, 2014, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit g.2.a) with Post-effective Amendment No. 4 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on September 8, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
b) | Amendment to Foreign Custody Manager Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon dated as of May 19, 2015, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit g.2.b) with Post-effective Amendment No. 16 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on May 29, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
c) | *Amendment to Foreign Custody Manager Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon dated as of September 1, 2015, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit g.2.c) herewith. |
(h) | Other Material Contracts |
1. | Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between Registrant and Virtus Fund Services, LLC (“Virtus Fund Services”) effective February 19, 2014, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.1) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on March 28, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
2. | Sub-Transfer Agency and Shareholder Services Agreement among Virtus Equity Trust (“VET”), Virtus Insight Trust (“VIT”), Virtus Opportunities Trust (“VOT”), VP Distributors (since assigned to Virtus Fund Services) and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (“BNY Mellon”), dated April 15, 2011, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.6) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 54 to the Registration Statement of VIT (File No. 033-64915) on April 27, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference. |
a) | Adoption and Amendment Agreement among the Registrant, VET, VIT, VOT, Virtus Fund Services and BNY Mellon filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.2.b) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 4 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on April 4, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
b) | Amendment to Sub-Transfer Agency and Shareholder Services Agreement among the Registrant, VET, VIT, VOT, Virtus Fund Services and BNY Mellon effective August 19, 2014, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.2.a) with Post-effective Amendment No. 4 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on September 8, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
c) | Amendment to Sub-Transfer Agency and Shareholder Services Agreement among the Registrant, VET, VIT, VOT, Virtus Fund Services and BNY Mellon effective November 12, 2014, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.2.c) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on January 22, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
d) | Amendment to Sub-Transfer Agency and Shareholder Services Agreement among the Registrant, VET, VIT, VOT, Virtus Fund Services and BNY Mellon effective May 28, 2015, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.2.d) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on June 5, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
e) | Amendment to Sub-Transfer Agency and Shareholder Services Agreement among the Registrant, VET, VIT, VOT, VRT, Virtus Fund Services and BNY Mellon dated as of December 10, 2015, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.2.e) with Post-effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registration Statement of VRT (File No. 033-80057) on January 8, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference. |
3. | Administration Agreement between the Registrant and Virtus Fund Services effective February 19, 2014, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.3) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on March 28, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
a) | First Amendment to Administration Agreement between the Registrant and Virtus Fund Services effective September 8, 2014, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.3.a) with Post-effective Amendment No. 4 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on September 8, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
b) | Second Amendment to Administration Agreement between the Registrant and Virtus Fund Services effective April 7, 2015, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.3.b) with Post-effective Amendment No. 16 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on May 29, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
c) | Third Amendment to Administration Agreement between the Registrant and Virtus Fund Services effective June 4, 2015, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.3.c) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on June 5, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
d) | Fourth Amendment to Administration Agreement between the Registrant and Virtus Fund Services effective September 8, 2015, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.3.d) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on September 8, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
4. | Sub-Administration and Accounting Services Agreement among VET, VIT, VOT, VRT, VP Distributors (since assigned to Virtus Fund Services) and BNY Mellon, dated January 1, 2010, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.5) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to the Registration Statement of VIT (File No. 033-64915) on February 25, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference. |
a) | First Amendment to Sub-Administration and Accounting Services Agreement among VET, VIT, VOT, VRT, VP Distributors (since assigned to Virtus Fund Services) and BNY Mellon, dated June 30, 2010, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.13.) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 52 to the Registration Statement of VIT (File No. 033-64915) on April 28, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference. |
b) | Second Amendment to Sub-Administration and Accounting Services Agreement among VET, VIT, VOT, VRT, VP Distributors (since assigned to Virtus Fund Services) and BNY Mellon, dated September 14, 2010 filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.14.) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 52 to the Registration Statement of VIT (File No. 033-64915) on April 28, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference. |
c) | Third Amendment to Sub-Administration and Accounting Services Agreement among VET, VIT, VOT, VRT, VP Distributors (since assigned to Virtus Fund Services) and BNY Mellon, dated March 15, 2011 filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.15.) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 52 to the Registration Statement of VIT (File No. 033-64915) on April 28, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference. |
d) | Fourth Amendment to Sub-Administration and Accounting Services Agreement among VET, VIT, VOT, VRT, VP Distributors (since assigned to Virtus Fund Services) and BNY Mellon, dated August 28, 2012, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.4.d) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the Registration Statement of VIT (File No. 033-64915) on April 29, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference. |
e) | Fifth Amendment to Sub-Administration and Accounting Services Agreement among VET, VIT, VOT, VP Distributors (since assigned to Virtus Fund Services) and BNY Mellon, dated December 18, 2012, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.4.e) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the Registration Statement of VIT (File No. 033-64915) on April 29, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference. |
f) | Sixth Amendment to Sub-Administration and Accounting Services Agreement among VET, VIT, VOT, Virtus Fund Services and BNY Mellon, dated June 10, 2013, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.4.f) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 to the Registration Statement of VOT (File No. 033-65137) on June 10, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference. |
g) | Seventh Amendment to Sub-Administration and Accounting Services Agreement among VET, VIT, VOT, Virtus Fund Services and BNY Mellon, dated December 18, 2013, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.4.g) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 to the Registration Statement of VOT (File No. 033-65137) on January 27, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
h) | Joinder Agreement and Amendment to Sub-Administration and Accounting Services Agreement among the Registrant, VET, VIT, VOT, Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (“VVIT”), VATS, Virtus Fund Services and BNY Mellon dated February 24, 2014, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.4.h) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on March 28, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
i) | Joinder Agreement to Sub-Administration and Accounting Services Agreement among VET,VIT, VOT, VRT, VVIT, VAST, VATS, Virtus Fund Services and BNY Mellon dated December 10, 2015, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.4.i) with Post-effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registration Statement of VRT (File No. 033-80057) on January 8, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference. |
5. | Third Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement between Registrant and VAIA, effective September 8, 2015, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.5) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on September 8, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
6. | Form of Indemnification Agreement with each trustee of Registrant, effective as of December 5, 2013, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.6) with Post-effective Amendment No. 7 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on November 19, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
(i) | Legal Opinion |
1. | Opinion of Counsel as to legality of the shares filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit i.1) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on September 8, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
2. | *Consent of Sullivan & Worcester LLP filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit i.2) herewith. |
(j) | Other Opinions |
1. | *Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit j.1) herewith. |
(k) | Not applicable. |
(l) | Not applicable. |
(m) | Rule 12b-1 Plans. |
1. | Class A Shares Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit m.1) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on March 28, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
a) | Amendment No. 1 to Class A Shares Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit m.1.a) with Post-effective Amendment No. 4 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on September 8, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
b) | Amendment No. 2 to Class A Shares Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit m.1.b) with Post-effective Amendment No. 16 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on May 29, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
c) | Amendment No. 3 to Class A Shares Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit m.1.c) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on June 5, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
d) | Amendment No. 4 to Class A Shares Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit m.1.d) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on September 8, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
2. | Class C Shares Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit m.2) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 (File No. 333- 191940) to the Registration Statement on March 28, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
a) | Amendment No. 1 to Class C Shares Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit m.2.a) with Post-effective Amendment No. 4 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on September 8, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
b) | Amendment No. 2 to Class C Shares Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit m.2.b) with Post-effective Amendment No. 16 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on May 29, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference . |
c) | Amendment No. 3 to Class C Shares Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit m.2.c) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on June 5, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
d) | Amendment No. 4 to Class C Shares Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit m.2.d) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on September 8, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
(n) | Amended and Restated Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit n) with Post-effective Amendment No. 7 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on November 19, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
1. | First Amendment to Amended and Restated Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit n.1) with Post-effective Amendment No. 16 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on May 29, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
2. | Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit n.2) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on June 5, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
3. | Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit n.3) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on September 8, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
(o) | Reserved |
(p) | Code of Ethics |
1. | Code of Ethics of the Registrant and other Virtus Funds effective August 2015, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit p.1) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on September 8, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
2. | Amended and Restated Code of Ethics of VAIA, VP Distributors, Cliffwater, Newfleet, Duff & Phelps and other Virtus Affiliates dated October 26, 2015, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit p.2) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 (File No. 033-65137) to the Registration Statement of VOT on January 27, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference. |
3. | *Code of Ethics of subadviser Ascend effective September 2015, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit p.3) herewith. |
4. | *Code of Ethics of subadviser Brigade effective September, 2015, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit p.4) herewith. |
5. | Code of Ethics of subadviser Credit Suisse filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit p.6) with Post-effective Amendment No. 7 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on November 19, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
6. | Code of Ethics of subadviser GCM effective December 2014, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit p.7) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on September 8, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
7. | Code of Ethics of subadviser Harvest dated August 9, 2013, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit p.8) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on March 28, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
8. | Code of Ethics of subadviser ICE Canyon dated February 10, 2014, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit p.9) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on March 28, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
9. | Code of Ethics of subadviser LaSalle effective March 23, 2015, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit p.10) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on September 8, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
10. | Code of Ethics of subadviser Lazard dated September 2012, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit p.11) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on March 28, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
11. | Code of Ethics of subadviser MAST filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit p.12) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on March 28, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
12. | Code of Ethics of subadviser AIA dated March 28, 2014, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit p.14) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on June 5, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. |
13. | *Code of Ethics of subadviser FFTW effective June 2014, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit p.13) herewith. |
(q) | Power of Attorney for all Trustees, dated February 10, 2014, filed via EDGAR with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 (File No. 333-191940) to the Registration Statement on February 10, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
___________________________
*Filed Herewith
Item 29. Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control with the Fund
None.
Item 30. Indemnification
The indemnification of Registrant’s principal underwriter against certain losses is provided for in Section 18 of the Underwriting Agreement incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit e.1 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on March 28, 2014. Indemnification of Registrant’s Custodian is provided for in section 9.9 of the Custody Agreement incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit g.1 of the Registration Statement filed on March 28, 2014. The indemnification of Registrant’s Transfer Agent is provided for, in Article 6 of the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit h.1 of the Registration Statement filed on March 28, 2014. The Trust has entered into Indemnification Agreements with each trustee effective as of December 5, 2013, the form of which is incorporated by reference to Exhibit h.6 to Registration Statement filed on November 19, 2014,
whereby the Registrant shall indemnify the trustee for expenses incurred in any proceeding in connection with the trustee’s service to the Registrant subject to certain limited exceptions.
In addition, Article VII sections 2 and 3 of the Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit a.1 of the Registration Statement filed on March 28, 2014, provides in relevant part as follows:
“A Trustee, when acting in such capacity, shall not be personally liable to any Person, other than the Trust or a Shareholder to the extent provided in this Article VII, for any act, omission or obligation of the Trust, of such Trustee or of any other Trustee. The Trustees shall not be responsible or liable in any event for any neglect or wrongdoing of any officer, agent, employee, Manager or Principal Underwriter of the Trust. The Trust (i) may indemnify an agent of the Trust or any Person who is serving or has served at the Trust’s request as an agent of another organization in which the Trust has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise and (ii) shall indemnify each Person who is, or has been, a Trustee, officer or employee of the Trust and any Person who is serving or has served at the Trust’s request as a director, officer, trustee, or employee of another organization in which the Trust has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise, in the case of (i) and (ii), to the fullest extent consistent with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and in the manner provided in the By-Laws; provided that such indemnification shall not be available to any of the foregoing Persons in connection with a claim, suit or other proceeding by any such Person against the Trust or a Series (or Class) thereof.
All persons extending credit to, contracting with or having any claim against the Trust or the Trustees shall look only to the assets of the appropriate Series (or Class thereof if the Trustees have included a Class limitation on liability in the agreement with such person as provided below), or, if the Trustees have yet to establish Series, of the Trust for payment under such credit, contract or claim; and neither the Trustees nor the Shareholders, nor any of the Trust’s officers, employees or agents, whether past, present or future, shall be personally liable therefor.
Every note, bond, contract, instrument, certificate or undertaking and every other act or thing whatsoever executed or done by or on behalf of the Trust or the Trustees by any of them in connection with the Trust shall conclusively be deemed to have been executed or done only in or with respect to his or their capacity as Trustee or Trustees, and such Trustee or Trustees shall not be personally liable thereon. …
… A Trustee shall be liable to the Trust and to any Shareholder solely for her or his own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the office of Trustee, and shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. The Trustees may take advice of counsel or other experts with respect to the meaning and operation of this Declaration of Trust, and shall be under no liability for any act or omission in accordance with such advice nor for failing to follow such advice.”
In addition, Article III section 7 of such Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides for the indemnification of shareholders of the Registrant as follows: “If any Shareholder or former Shareholder shall be exposed to liability by reason of a claim or demand relating to such Person being or having been a Shareholder, and not because of such Person's acts or omissions, the Shareholder or former Shareholder (or such Person's heirs, executors, administrators, or other legal representatives or in the case of a corporation or other entity, its corporate or other general successor) shall be entitled to be held harmless from and indemnified out of the assets of the Trust against all cost and expense reasonably incurred in connection with such claim or demand, but only out of the assets held with respect to the particular Series of Shares of which such Person is or was a Shareholder and from or in relation to which such liability arose. The Trust may, at its option and shall, upon request by the Shareholder, assume the defense of any claim made against the Shareholder for any act or obligation of the Trust and satisfy any judgment thereon from the assets held with respect to the particular series.”
Article VIII Section 2 of the Registrant’s Bylaws incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit b.1 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on March 28, 2014, provides in relevant part, subject to certain exceptions and limitations, “every agent shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against all liabilities and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him or her in connection with any proceeding in which he or she becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his or her being or having been an agent.” Such indemnification would not apply in the case of any liability to which the Registrant would otherwise be subject by reason of or for willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of such person’s duties.
The Investment Advisory Agreement, Subadvisory Agreements, Foreign Custody Manager Agreement, Sub-Administration and Accounting Services Agreement and Sub-Transfer Agency and Shareholder Services Agreement, as amended, respectively provide that the Registrant will indemnify the other party (or parties, as the case may be) to the agreement for certain losses. Similar indemnities to those listed above may appear in other agreements to which the Registrant is a party.
The Registrant, in conjunction with VAIA, the Registrant’s Trustees, and other registered investment management companies managed by VAIA or its affiliates, maintains insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a Trustee, officer, employee, or agent of the Registrant, or who is or was serving at the request of the Registrant as a trustee, director, officer, employee or agent of another trust or corporation, against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by him or arising out of his position. However, in no event will Registrant maintain insurance to indemnify any such person for any act for which the Registrant itself is not permitted to indemnify him.
Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser and Subadvisers
See “Management of the Funds” in the Prospectus and “Investment Advisory and Other Services” and “Management of the Trust” in the Statement of Additional Information which is included in this Post-Effective Amendment. For information as to the business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature of directors and officers of the Adviser and Subadvisers, reference is made to the Adviser’s and Subadviser’s current Form ADV filed under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and incorporated herein by reference.
Adviser | SEC File No.: |
VAIA | 801-67924 |
AIA | 801-76637 |
Ascend | 801-65340 |
Brigade | 801-69965 |
Cliffwater | 801-78762 |
Credit Suisse | 801-37170 |
Duff & Phelps | 801-14813 |
FFTW | 801-10577 |
GCM | 801-73422 |
Harvest | 801-71791 |
ICE Canyon | 801-68298 |
LaSalle | 801-48201 |
Lazard | 801-61701 |
MAST | 801-63090 |
Newfleet | 801-51559 |
Item 32. Principal Underwriter
(a) | VP Distributors, LLC serves as the principal underwriter for the following registrants: Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust, Virtus Equity Trust, Virtus Insight Trust, Virtus Opportunities Trust, Virtus Retirement Trust and Virtus Variable Insurance Trust. |
(b) | Directors and executive officers of VP Distributors, 100 Pearl Street, Hartford, CT 06103, are as follows: |
Name and Principal | Positions and Offices | |||
Business Address | Positions and Offices with Distributor | with Registrant | ||
George R. Aylward | Executive Vice President | President and Trustee | ||
Kevin J. Carr | Vice President, Counsel and Secretary | Assistant Secretary | ||
Nancy J. Engberg | Vice President and Assistant Secretary | Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer | ||
David Hanley | Vice President and Treasurer | None | ||
Barry Mandinach | President | None | ||
David C. Martin | Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer | None | ||
Francis G. Waltman | Executive Vice President | Executive Vice President |
(c) | Not applicable. |
Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records
Persons maintaining physical possession of accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules promulgated thereunder include:
Secretary of the Trust: | Principal Underwriter: | |
Jennifer Fromm, Esq. 100 Pearl Street Hartford, CT 06103 |
VP Distributors, LLC. 100 Pearl Street Hartford, CT 06103
|
|
Administrator and Transfer Agent: | Custodian: | |
Virtus Fund Services, LLC 100 Pearl Street Hartford, CT 06103
|
The Bank of New York Mellon One Wall Street New York, NY 10286 |
|
Fund Accountant, Sub-Administrator, Sub-Transfer Agent and Dividend Dispersing Agent: | Investment Adviser: | |
BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. 301 Bellevue Parkway Wilmington, DE 19809 |
Virtus Alternative Investment Advisers, Inc. 100 Pearl Street Hartford, CT 06103
|
|
Subadviser to Alternative Income Solution Fund, Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Alternative Total Solution Fund: | Subadviser to Alternative Total Solution Fund: | |
Cliffwater Investments LLC 100 Pearl Street Hartford, CT 06103 and 4640 Admiralty Way, 11 th Floor Marina del Rey, CA 90292 and 1540 Broadway, Suite 1630 New York, NY 10036
|
Ascend Capital LLC 4 Orinda Way, Suite 200 C Orinda, CA 94563 and 50 California Street, Suite 430 San Francisco, CA 94111 |
Subadviser to Alternative Income Solution Fund, Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund: | Subadviser to Alternative Inflation Solution Fund: | |
Brigade Capital Management, LLC 399 Park Avenue, 16th Floor New York, NY 10022
|
Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC One Madison Avenue New York, NY 10010
|
|
Subadviser to Alternative Total Solution Fund: | Subadviser to Alternative Income Solution Fund, Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Alternative Total Solution Fund: | |
Graham Capital Management, L.P. 40 Highland Avenue Rowayton, CT 06853
|
Harvest Fund Advisors LLC 100 West Lancaster Avenue, 2nd Floor Wayne, PA 19087
|
|
Subadviser to Alternative Income Solution Fund and Alternative Total Solution Fund: | Subadviser to Alternative Income Solution Fund, Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Alternative Total Solution Fund: | |
ICE Canyon LLC 2000 Avenue of the Stars, 11th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90067 |
LaSalle Investment Management Securities, LLC 100 East Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202
|
|
Subadviser to Alternative Income Solution Fund, Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Alternative Total Solution Fund: | Subadviser to Alternative Income Solution Fund and Alternative Total Solution Fund: | |
Lazard Asset Management LLC 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 55th Floor New York, NY 10112
|
MAST Capital Management, LLC 200 Clarendon Street, 51st Floor Boston, MA 02116
|
|
Subadviser to Strategic Income Fund and Credit Opportunities Fund: | Subadviser to Select MLP and Energy Fund: | |
Newfleet Asset Management, LLC 100 Pearl Street Hartford, CT 06103
|
Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. 200 South Wacker Drive, Suite 500 Chicago, IL 60606 |
|
Subadviser to Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund: | Subadviser to Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Alternative Total Solution Fund: | |
Aviva Investors Americas LLC 225 West Wacker Drive Suite 1750 Chicago, IL 60606
|
Fischer, Francis, Trees & Watts, Inc. 200 Park Avenue, 11 th Floor New York, New York 10166 | |
Participating Affiliate of Subadviser to Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund: | ||
Aviva Investors Global Services Limited No. 1 Poultry London, England EC2R 8EJ
|
|
Item 34. Management Services
Not applicable.
Item 35. Undertakings
Not applicable.
PART C – OTHER INFORMATION
Exhibit List
d.6 | Subadvisory Agreement between VAIA and FFTW with respect to Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund |
g.1.c | Amendment to Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon dated as of September 1, 2015 |
g.2.c | Amendment to Foreign Custody Manager Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon dated as of September 1, 2015 |
i.2 | Consent of Sullivan & Worcester LLP |
j.1 | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
p.3 | Code of Ethics of subadviser Ascend effective September 2015 |
p.4 | Code of Ethics of subadviser Brigade effective September 2015 |
p.13 | Code of Ethics of subadviser FFTW effective June 2014 |
1 |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Hartford and the State of Connecticut on the 26 th day of February, 2016.
VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TRUST | |
By: | /s/ George R. Aylward |
George R. Aylward | |
President |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 26 th day of February, 2016.
Signature | Title | |
/s/ George R. Aylward | ||
George R. Aylward | Trustee and President (principal executive officer) | |
* | ||
Thomas F. Mann | Trustee | |
* | ||
Philip R. McLoughlin | Trustee and Chairman | |
* | ||
William R. Moyer | Trustee | |
* | ||
James M. Oates | Trustee | |
/s/ W. Patrick Bradley | ||
W. Patrick Bradley |
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(principal financial and accounting officer) |
* Signed pursuant to Power of Attorney
VATS Offshore Fund, Ltd. has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Hartford and the State of Connecticut on the 26 th day of February, 2016.
VATS OFFSHORE FUND, LTD. | |
By: | /s/ George R. Aylward |
George R. Aylward | |
President |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 26 th day of February, 2016.
Signature |
Title |
|||
/s/ George R. Aylward |
||||
George R. Aylward | President (principal executive officer) | |||
/s/ Francis G. Waltman |
||||
Francis G. Waltman | Sole Director | |||
/s/ W. Patrick Bradley |
||||
W. Patrick Bradley |
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (principal financial and accounting officer) |
Exhibit 99.(d).(6)
VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TRUST
SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
November 20, 2015
Fischer, Francis, Trees & Watts, Inc.
200 Park Avenue, 11 th Floor
New York, New York 10166
RE: Subadvisory Agreement
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (the “Trust”) is an open-end investment company of the series type registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), and is subject to the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The shares of the Trust are offered or may be offered in several series, including Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund and Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund (individually and collectively, sometimes hereafter referred to as the “Series”).
Virtus Alternative Investment Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”) evaluates and recommends series advisers for the Series and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Series.
1. | Appointment as a Subadviser . The Adviser, being duly authorized, hereby appoints Fischer, Francis, Trees & Watts, Inc. (the “Subadviser”) as a discretionary series adviser to invest and reinvest that discrete portion of the assets of the Series designated by the Adviser (the “Allocated Portion”) as set forth on Schedule F attached hereto on the terms and conditions set forth herein. The services of the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive; the Subadviser may render services to others and engage in other activities that do not conflict in any material manner with the Subadviser’s performance hereunder. It is acknowledged and agreed that the Adviser may appoint from time to time other subadvisers in addition to the Subadviser to manage the assets of the Series that do not constitute the Allocated Portion and nothing in this Agreement shall be construed or interpreted to grant the Subadviser an exclusive arrangement to act as the sole subadviser to the Series. It is further acknowledged and agreed that the Adviser makes no commitment to designate any portion of the Series assets to the Subadviser as the Allocated Portion. |
2. | Acceptance of Appointment; Standard of Performance . The Subadviser accepts its appointment as a discretionary series adviser of the Allocated Portion of the Series and agrees, subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) and the Adviser, to use its best professional judgment to make investment decisions for the Allocated Portion of the Series in accordance with the investment guidelines for the Allocated Portion of the Series (the “Investment Guidelines”), the provisions of this Agreement and as set forth in Schedule D attached hereto and made a part hereof. The Adviser and the Trust acknowledge that there is no assurance or guarantee that the investment objectives as set forth in the Investment Guidelines will be achieved. The Subadviser shall for all purposes herein be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall, except as expressly provided or authorized (whether herein or otherwise), have no authority or obligation to act for or represent the Adviser, the Trust or the Series in any way. The Adviser and the Trust represent that by complying with the Investment Guidelines the Subadviser will not cause the Series to violate applicable laws, regulations and policies and procedures of the Trust to which the Series is subject. The Adviser and the Trust hereby consent to being treated by the Subadviser as a “qualified eligible person” as defined in the rules promulgated under the United States Commodity Exchange Act (the "CEA") for the purposes of the CEA and the regulations thereunder. |
3. | Services of Subadviser . In providing management services to the Allocated Portion of the Series, the Subadviser shall be subject to the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Trust as they apply to the Series and as set forth in the Trust’s then current prospectus and statement of additional information filed |
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as part of the Trust’s registration statement (the “Registration Statement”), as may be periodically amended from time to time, and to the investment restrictions set forth in the Act and the Rules thereunder, to the supervision and control of the Board, and to instructions from the Adviser. The Subadviser shall not, without the Trust’s prior written approval, effect any transactions that would cause the Allocated Portion of the Series at the time of the transaction to be out of compliance with any of such restrictions or policies. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, the Subadviser shall not be responsible for aspects of the Series’ investment program other than managing the Allocated Portion in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including without limitation the requirements of this Section 3 and Schedule D of this Agreement. The Adviser and the Trust have furnished the Subadviser with copies of the Registration Statement and will promptly provide the Subadviser with copies of any amendments or supplements thereto. The Adviser and the Trust represent that the Subadviser is not responsible for ensuring that the Registration Statement complies with all applicable laws, regulations and policies and procedures of the Trust to which the Series is subject. |
4. | Transaction Procedures . All series transactions for the Allocated Portion of the Series shall be consummated by payment to, or delivery by, the custodian(s) from time to time designated by the Trust (the “Custodian”), or such depositories or agents as may be designated by the Custodian in writing, of all cash and/or securities due to or from the Series. The Subadviser shall not have possession or custody of such cash and/or securities or any responsibility or liability with respect to such custody. The Subadviser shall advise the Custodian and confirm in writing to the Trust all investment orders for the Allocated Portion of the Series placed by it with brokers and dealers at the time and in the manner set forth in Schedule A hereto (as amended from time to time). The Trust shall issue to the Custodian such instructions as may be appropriate in connection with the settlement of any transaction initiated by the Subadviser. The Trust shall be responsible for all custodial arrangements and the payment of all custodial charges and fees, and, upon giving proper instructions to the Custodian, the Subadviser shall have no responsibility or liability with respect to custodial arrangements or the act, omissions or other conduct of the Custodian. |
5. | Allocation of Brokerage . The Subadviser shall have authority and discretion to select brokers and dealers to execute transactions for the Allocated Portion of the Series initiated by the Subadviser, and to select the markets on or in which the transactions will be executed. The Subadviser shall have the authority to open trading and broking accounts with third parties, and negotiate and execute account opening documentation in relation thereto, subject to the limits provided in the Investment Guidelines and to take any other action which in the reasonable opinion of the Subadviser is necessary advisable or incidental to carry out the investment objective as set forth in the Investment Guidelines, including negotiating, entering into and executing, in its capacity as a subadviser of the Series, any agreements or other documents with, but not limited to third party affirmation platforms as is necessary to effect transactions in accordance with the Investment Guidelines, provided however that negotiating and executing (i) master agreements in relation to (among others) OTC derivatives (such as ISDAs, their schedules and credit support documentation), securities lending transactions (such as GMSLAs), repurchase / reverse repurchase transactions (such as GMRAs) and (ii) clearing agreements or arrangements with clearing brokers in relation to listed and OTC derivatives (i.e., Cleared OTC Derivatives Addendum) are exclusively reserved to the Adviser. For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing proviso does not preclude the Subadviser from negotiating, entering into and executing, in its capacity as a subadviser of the Series, execution services agreements, client agency agreements or other agreements or documents that are required to effect OTC derivatives transactions through swap execution facilities (i.e., SEFs). For the avoidance of doubt, the Subadviser shall not be liable or responsible for execution costs incurred on behalf of the Series. |
A. | In placing orders for the sale and purchase of securities for the Allocated Portion of the Series, the Subadviser will seek best execution of orders and comply with the Subadviser’s best execution policy, (i) which will at all times be consistent with applicable law and regulation as well as the Trust’s applicable policies and procedures most recently provided to the Subadviser; and (ii) which the Subadviser has provided to the Adviser and the Trust as of the date of this Agreement and will provide promptly as it is updated from time to time. To the extent the Adviser and/or the Trust is not reasonably satisfied that the Subadviser’s best execution policy, as it is amended from time to time, is appropriate for use with respect |
2
to the Allocated Portion of the Series, the Adviser and/or the Trust shall so notify the Subadviser in writing and the Subadviser will comply with reasonable instructions mutually agreed upon by the Adviser, the Trust and the Subadviser in writing, with respect to seeking best execution of orders. However, this responsibility shall not obligate the Subadviser to solicit competitive bids for each transaction or to seek the lowest available commission cost to the Allocated Portion of the Series, as long as the Subadviser reasonably believes that the broker or dealer selected by it can be expected to obtain a “best execution” market price on the particular transaction and determines in good faith that the commission cost is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services (as defined in Section 28(e)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) provided by such broker or dealer to the Subadviser, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or of the Subadviser’s overall responsibilities with respect to its clients, including the Allocated Portion of the Series, as to which the Subadviser exercises investment discretion, notwithstanding that the Allocated Portion of the Series may not be the direct or exclusive beneficiary of any such services or that another broker may be willing to charge the Allocated Portion of the Series a lower commission on the particular transaction. The Adviser and the Trust acknowledge and accepts that when the Manager receives an instruction from the Adviser to deal with brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, the Subadviser’s best execution obligations will not apply to that part or aspect of the order to which that Adviser’s instruction relate. |
B. | The Subadviser may manage other portfolios and expects that the Allocated Portion of the Series and other portfolios the Subadviser manages will, from time to time, purchase or sell the same securities. The Subadviser may aggregate orders for the purchase or sale of securities on behalf of the Allocated Portion of the Series with orders on behalf of other portfolios the Subadviser manages. Securities purchased or proceeds of securities sold through aggregated orders, as well as expenses incurred in the transaction, shall be allocated to the account of each portfolio managed by the Subadviser that bought or sold such securities in a manner considered by the Subadviser to be equitable and consistent with the Subadviser’s fiduciary obligations in respect of the Allocated Portion of the Series and to such other accounts. |
C. | The Subadviser shall not execute any transactions for the Allocated Portion of the Series with a broker or dealer that is an “affiliated person” (as defined in the Act) of (i) the Series; (ii) another series of the Trust; (iii) the Adviser; (iv) the Subadviser or any other subadviser to the Series; (v) a principal underwriter of the Trust’s shares; or (vi) any other affiliated person of the Series, in each case, unless such transactions are permitted by applicable law or regulation and carried out in compliance with any applicable policies and procedures of the Trust. The Trust shall provide the Subadviser with a list of brokers and dealers that are “affiliated persons” of the Trust, the Adviser, the principal underwriter or any other subadviser to the Series, and applicable policies and procedures. Upon the request of the Adviser, the Subadviser shall promptly, and in any event within three business days of a request, indicate whether any entity identified by the Adviser in such request is an “affiliated person,” as such term is defined in the Act, of (i) the Subadviser or (ii) any affiliated person of the Subadviser, subject in each case to any confidentiality requirements applicable to the Subadviser and/or its affiliates. Further, the Subadviser shall provide the Adviser with a list of (x) each broker-dealer entity that is an “affiliated person,” as such term is defined in the Act, of the Subadviser and (y) each affiliated person of the Subadviser that has outstanding publicly-issued debt or equity. Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser agrees promptly to update such list(s) whenever the Adviser or the Subadviser becomes aware of any changes that should be added to or deleted from such list of affiliated persons. |
D. | Consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Trust in respect of the Allocated Portion of the Series and the requirements of best price and execution, the Subadviser may, under certain circumstances, arrange to have purchase and sale transactions effected directly between the Allocated Portion of the Series and another account managed by the Subadviser (“cross transactions”), provided that such transactions are carried out in accordance with applicable law or regulation and any applicable policies and procedures of the Trust. The Trust shall provide the Subadviser with applicable policies and procedures. |
E. | In connection with Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (“Dodd-Frank”) and European Market Infrastructure Regulation (“EMIR”) compliance, the Adviser and the Trust consent |
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to and agrees that the Subadviser and its affiliates or subsidiaries are authorized to provide and disclose information concerning the Adviser, the Trust and the Series for the purposes of the meeting applicable transaction and other reporting requirements related to Dodd-Frank and EMIR. The Adviser and the Trust represent and warrant that it will obtain a Global Markets Entity Identifier (“GMEI”) or Legal Entity Identifier (“LEI”) for the Series and provide it to the Subadviser or has requested and authorized the Subadviser to obtain a GMEI or LEI on behalf of the Series. The Adviser and the Trust shall promptly provide the Subadviser with information which may reasonably be requested by the Subadviser or regulatory authorities, to comply with Dodd-Frank and EMIR. |
6. | Proxies and Other Shareholder Actions . |
A. | To the extent applicable, unless the Adviser or the Trust gives the Subadviser written instructions to the contrary, the Subadviser, or a third party designee acting under the authority and supervision of the Subadviser, shall review all proxy solicitation materials and be responsible for voting and handling all proxies in relation to the assets of the Allocated Portion of the Series. Unless the Adviser or the Trust gives the Subadviser written instructions to the contrary, provided that the Adviser has reviewed the Subadviser’s proxy voting procedures then in effect and determined them to comply with the requirements of the Trust’s proxy voting policy, the Subadviser will, in compliance with the Subadviser’s proxy voting procedures then in effect, vote or abstain from voting, all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities in which assets of the Allocated Portion of the Series may be invested. The Adviser shall cause the Custodian, the Administrator or another party, to forward promptly to the Subadviser all proxies upon receipt, so as to afford the Subadviser a reasonable amount of time in which to determine how to vote such proxies. The Subadviser agrees to provide the Adviser in a timely manner with any changes to the Subadviser’s proxy voting procedures. The Subadviser further agrees to provide the Adviser in a timely manner with a record of votes cast containing all of the voting information required by Form N-PX in an electronic format to enable the Trust to file Form N-PX as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the Act. The Subadviser shall provide disclosure regarding its proxy voting policies and procedures in accordance with the requirements of Form N-1A for inclusion in the Registration Statement of the Trust. During any annual period in which the Subadviser has voted proxies for the Trust, the Subadviser shall, as may reasonably be requested by the Adviser, certify as to its compliance with its proxy voting policies and procedures and applicable federal statutes and regulations. |
B. | The Subadviser is authorized to deal with reorganizations, exchange offers and other voluntary corporate actions with respect to securities held in the Allocated Portion of the Series in such manner as the Subadviser deems advisable, unless the Trust or the Adviser otherwise specifically directs in writing. It is acknowledged and agreed that the Subadviser shall not be responsible for the filing of claims (or otherwise causing the Trust to participate) in class action settlements or similar proceedings in which shareholders may participate related to securities currently or previously associated with the Allocated Portion of the Series. With the Adviser’s prior written approval, on a case-by-case basis the Subadviser may obtain the authority and take on the responsibility to: (i) identify, evaluate and pursue legal claims, including commencing or defending suits, affecting the securities held at any time in the Allocated Portion of the Series, including claims in bankruptcy, class action securities litigation and other litigation; (ii) participate in such litigation or related proceedings with respect to such securities as the Subadviser deems appropriate to preserve or enhance the value of the Allocated Portion of the Series, including filing proofs of claim and related documents and serving as “lead plaintiff” in class action lawsuits; (iii) exercise generally any of the powers of an owner with respect to the supervision and management of such rights or claims, including the settlement, compromise or submission to arbitration of any claims, the exercise of which the Subadviser deems to be in the best interest of the Allocated Portion of the Series or required by applicable law, including ERISA; and (iv) employ suitable agents, including legal counsel, and to pay their reasonable fees, expenses and related costs from the Allocated Portion of the Series. |
7. | Prohibited Conduct . In accordance with Rule 12d3-1 and Rule 17a-10 under the 1940 Act and any other applicable law or regulation, the Subadviser’s responsibility regarding investment advice hereunder is limited to the Allocated Portion of the Series, and the Subadviser will not consult with any other investment advisory |
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firm that provides investment advisory services to the Trust or any other investment company sponsored by Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. or its affiliates regarding transactions in securities or other assets for the Trust. The Trust shall provide the Subadviser with a list of investment companies sponsored by Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and its affiliates, and the Subadviser shall be in breach of the foregoing provision only if the investment company is included in such a list provided to the Subadviser prior to such prohibited action. In addition, the Subadviser shall not, without the prior written consent of the Trust and the Adviser, delegate any obligation assumed pursuant to this Agreement to any affiliated or unaffiliated third party. The parties acknowledge and agree that the Subadviser may, in its discretion, utilize personnel employed by affiliates of the Subadviser to perform services pursuant to this Agreement by way of a “participating affiliate” agreement in accordance with, and to the extent permitted by, the Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), including the published interpretations thereof by the SEC or its staff. Such participating affiliate agreement shall subject the personnel providing such services to the Subadviser’s compliance and other programs with respect to their activities on behalf of the Allocated Portion of the Series and will not relieve the Subadviser of its responsibilities or obligations under this Agreement, whether express or implied. |
8. | Information and Reports . |
A. | The Subadviser shall keep the Trust and the Adviser informed of developments relating to its duties as Subadviser of which the Subadviser has, or should have, knowledge that would materially affect the Series. In this regard, the Subadviser shall provide the Trust, the Adviser and their respective officers with such periodic reports concerning the obligations the Subadviser has assumed under this Agreement as the Trust and the Adviser may from time to time reasonably request including without limitation those specified in Schedule D. In addition, prior to each meeting of the Board, the Subadviser shall provide the Adviser and the Board with reports regarding the Subadviser’s management of the Allocated Portion of the Series during the most recently completed quarter, which reports: (i) shall include Subadviser’s representation that its performance of its investment management duties hereunder is in compliance with the Series’ investment objectives and practices, the Act and applicable rules and regulations under the Act, and the diversification and minimum “good income” requirements of Subchapter M under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and (ii) otherwise shall be in such form as may be mutually agreed upon by the Subadviser and the Adviser. |
B. | Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser shall provide the other party with a list, to the best of the Adviser’s or the Subadviser’s respective knowledge, of each affiliated person (and any affiliated person of such an affiliated person) of the Adviser or the Subadviser, as the case may be, and each of the Adviser and Subadviser agrees promptly to update such list whenever the Adviser or the Subadviser becomes aware of any changes that should be added to or deleted from the list of affiliated persons. |
C. | The Subadviser shall also provide the Adviser with any information reasonably requested by the Adviser regarding its management of the Allocated Portion of the Series required for any shareholder report, amended Registration Statement, or prospectus supplement to be filed by the Trust with the SEC. |
D. | The Adviser and the Trust shall provide the Subadviser with any documentation that it may reasonably require in order to comply with all applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations. In addition, the Adviser and the Trust agree that the Subadviser may provide copies of such documentation to counterparties which they may reasonably require in order to fulfill their anti-money laundering procedures. |
9. | Fees for Services . The compensation of the Subadviser for its services under this Agreement shall be calculated and paid by the Adviser in accordance with the attached Schedule C. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Adviser, the Adviser is solely responsible for the payment of fees to the Subadviser. |
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10. | Limitation of Liability . Absent the Subadviser’s breach of this Agreement or the willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Subadviser, or its officers, directors, partners, agents, employees and controlling persons, the Subadviser shall not be liable for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any position; provided, however, that the Subadviser shall be responsible for, and shall indemnify and hold the Trust and the Adviser and each of their respective directors or trustees, members, officers, employees and shareholders, and each person, if any, who controls the Trust or the Adviser within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), harmless against, any and all Losses (as defined below) arising out of or resulting from a “Trade Error” (as defined in the compliance policies and procedures of the Trust as the same may be amended from time to time) caused by the action or omission of the Subadviser or its agent. The Adviser agrees to provide prior written notice to the Subadviser of any material changes to the definition of Trade Error becoming effective with respect to the Allocated Portion of the Series unless, in the reasonable discretion of the Adviser, such change must become effective earlier due to any applicable law, rule, regulation or court order. It is acknowledged and agreed that any Trade Error that results in a gain to the Series shall inure to the benefit of the Series. For the avoidance of doubt, it is acknowledged and agreed that the Series is a third party beneficiary of the indemnity granted in this Section 10, and the indemnity is intended to cover claims by the Series, the Trust (on behalf of the Series), or the Adviser against the Subadviser for recovery pursuant to this section. |
11. | Confidentiality . Subject to the duty of the Subadviser and the Trust to comply with applicable law, including any demand of any regulatory or taxing authority having jurisdiction, the parties hereto shall treat as confidential all information pertaining to the Allocated Portion of the Series and the actions of the Subadviser and the Trust in respect thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust and the Adviser agree that the Subadviser may (i) disclose in marketing materials and similar communications that the Subadviser has been engaged to manage assets of the Allocated Portion of the Series pursuant to this Agreement,(ii) include performance statistics regarding the Allocated Portion of the Series in composite performance statistics regarding one or more groups of Subadviser's clients published or included in any of the foregoing communications, provided that the Subadviser does not identify any performance statistics as relating specifically to the Series, and (iii) disclose information about the Trust, the Adviser or the Series as deemed necessary to carry out the Subadviser’s duties and obligations under this Agreement, provided with respect to this subsection (iii) that each such person is under an obligation to keep the information confidential and the Subadviser will be liable hereunder for the failure of any such person to keep the information confidential. |
12. | Assignment . This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act. The Subadviser shall notify the Trust and the Adviser in writing sufficiently in advance of any proposed change of control, as defined in Section 2(a)(9) of the Act, as will enable the Trust to consider whether an assignment as defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act will occur, and to take the steps necessary to enter into a new contract with the Subadviser. |
13. | Representations, Warranties and Agreements of the Subadviser . The Subadviser represents, warrants and agrees that: |
A. | It is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, and is qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which failure to be so qualified would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect upon it. It (i) is registered as an “investment adviser” under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“Advisers Act”) and will continue to be so registered for so long as this Agreement remains in effect; (ii) is not prohibited by the Act or the Advisers Act from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however, that the Subadviser makes no representation or warranty with regard to the approval of this Agreement by the Board under Section 15 of the Act; (iii) has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer under Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act; (iv) has adopted written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Advisers Act from occurring, and correct promptly any violations that have |
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occurred, and will provide notice promptly to the Adviser of any material violations relating to the Trust; (v) has materially met and will seek to continue to meet for so long as this Agreement remains in effect, any other applicable federal or state requirements, or the applicable requirements of any regulatory or industry self-regulatory agency. |
B. | It is either registered as a commodity trading advisor or duly exempt from such registration with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), and it will maintain such registration or exemption continuously during the term of this Agreement or, alternatively, will become a commodity trading advisor duly registered with the CFTC and will be a member in good standing with the National Futures Association. |
C. | It will maintain, keep current and preserve on behalf of the Trust, records in the manner required or permitted by the Act and the Rules thereunder including the records identified in Schedule B (as Schedule B may be amended from time to time). The Subadviser agrees that such records are the property of the Trust, and shall be surrendered to the Trust or to the Adviser as agent of the Trust promptly upon request of either, subject to the Subadviser’s record retention policies and procedures and requirements imposed by law and regulation. |
D. | It shall maintain a written code of ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) complying with the requirements of Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and Rule 17j-1 under the Act and shall provide the Trust and the Adviser with a copy of the Code of Ethics and evidence of its adoption. It shall institute procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons (as defined in Rule 17j-1) from violating its Code of Ethics. The Subadviser acknowledges receipt of the written code of ethics adopted by and on behalf of the Trust. Each calendar quarter while this Agreement is in effect, a duly authorized compliance officer of the Subadviser shall certify to the Trust and to the Adviser that the Subadviser has complied with the requirements of Rules 204A-1 and 17j-1 during the previous calendar quarter and that there has been no material violation of its Code of Ethics, or of Rule 17j-1(b), or that any persons covered under its Code of Ethics has divulged or acted upon any material, non-public information, as such term is defined under relevant securities laws, and if such a violation of the code of ethics of the Trust has occurred, or if such a violation of its Code of Ethics has occurred, that appropriate action was taken in response to such violation. The Subadviser shall notify the Adviser promptly of any material violation of the Code of Ethics involving the Trust. The Subadviser will provide such additional information regarding violations of the Code of Ethics directly affecting the Trust as the Trust or its Chief Compliance Officer on behalf of the Trust or the Adviser may reasonably request in order to assess the functioning of the Code of Ethics or any harm caused to the Trust from a violation of the Code of Ethics. Further, the Subadviser represents that it has policies and procedures regarding the detection and prevention of the misuse of material, nonpublic information by the Subadviser and its employees. The Subadviser will explain what it has done to seek to ensure such compliance in the future. Annually, the Subadviser shall furnish to the Trust and the Adviser a written report which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 concerning the Subadviser’s Code of Ethics. The Subadviser shall permit the Trust and the Adviser to examine the reports required to be made by the Subadviser under Rules 204A-1(b) and 17j-1(d)(1) and this subparagraph. |
E. | It has adopted and implemented, and throughout the term of this Agreement shall maintain in effect and implement, policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent, detect and correct violations by the Subadviser and its supervised persons, and, to the extent the activities of the Subadviser in respect of the Trust could affect the Trust, by the Trust, of “federal securities laws” (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the Act), and that the Subadviser has provided the Trust with true and complete copies of its policies and procedures (or summaries thereof) and related information reasonably requested by the Trust and/or the Adviser. The Subadviser agrees to cooperate with periodic reviews by the Trust’s and/or the Adviser’s compliance personnel of the Subadviser’s policies and procedures, their operation and implementation |
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and other compliance matters and to provide to the Trust and/or the Adviser from time to time such additional information and certifications in respect of the Subadviser’s policies and procedures, compliance by the Subadviser with federal securities laws and related matters as the Trust’s and/or the Adviser’s compliance personnel may reasonably request. The Subadviser agrees to promptly notify the Adviser of any compliance violations which affect the Allocated Portion of the Series. |
F. | The Subadviser will immediately notify the Trust and the Adviser of the occurrence of any event which would disqualify the Subadviser from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9 of the Act or otherwise. The Subadviser will also immediately notify the Trust and the Adviser if it is served or otherwise receives notice of any action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation, at law or in equity, before or by any court, public board or body, including but not limited to the SEC and the CFTC, involving the affairs of the Series. |
G. | To the best of its knowledge, there are no material pending, threatened, or contemplated actions, suits, proceedings, or investigations before or by any court, governmental, administrative or self-regulatory body, board of trade, exchange, or arbitration panel to which it or any of its directors, officers, employees, partners, shareholders, members or principals, or any of its affiliates is a party or to which it or its affiliates or any of its or its affiliates’ assets are subject, nor has it or any of its affiliates received any notice of an investigation, inquiry, or dispute by any court, governmental, administrative, or self-regulatory body, board of trade, exchange, or arbitration panel regarding any of its or their activities, which might reasonably be expected to result in (i) a material adverse effect on the Trust or (ii) a material adverse change in the Subadviser’s condition (financial or otherwise) or business, or which might reasonably be expected to materially impair the Subadviser’s ability to discharge its obligations under this Agreement. The Subadviser will also immediately notify the Trust and the Adviser if the representation in this Section 13.G is no longer accurate. |
H. | The Subadviser shall promptly notify the Adviser of any changes in its executive officers or in its key personnel, including, without limitation, any change in the portfolio manager(s) named in the Series’ prospectus as being responsible for the Allocated Portion of the Series or if there is an actual or expected change in control or management of the Subadviser. |
14. | No Personal Liability . Reference is hereby made to the Declaration of Trust establishing the Trust, a copy of which has been filed with the SEC, and to any and all amendments thereto so filed or hereafter filed. The name “Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust” refers to the Trustees under said Declaration of Trust, as Trustees and not personally, and no Trustee, shareholder, officer, agent or employee of the Trust shall be held to any personal liability in connection with the affairs of the Trust; only the trust estate under said Declaration of Trust is liable. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Subadviser nor any of its officers, directors, partners, shareholders or employees shall, under any circumstances, have recourse or cause or willingly permit recourse to be had directly or indirectly to any personal, statutory, or other liability of any shareholder, Trustee, officer, agent or employee of the Trust or of any successor of the Trust, whether such liability now exists or is hereafter incurred for claims against the trust estate. |
15. | Entire Agreement; Amendment . This Agreement, together with the Schedules attached hereto, constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior written or oral agreements pertaining to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended at any time, but only by written agreement among the Subadviser, the Adviser and the Trust, which amendment, other than amendments to Schedules A, B, D, E and F, is subject to the approval of the Board (including those trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust) and, if required by the Act or applicable SEC rules and regulations, a vote of a majority of the Series’ outstanding voting securities; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be amended or terminated in accordance with any exemptive order issued to the Adviser, the Trust or its affiliates. It is understood that from time to time the Allocated Portion of a Series may be zero. This Agreement does not terminate in the event that no Allocated Portion of any Series is available for the Subadviser. |
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16. | Effective Date; Term . This Agreement shall become effective on the date set forth on the first page of this Agreement, and shall continue in effect until December 31, 2016 . The Agreement shall continue from year to year thereafter only so long as its continuance has been specifically approved at least annually (i) by a vote of the Board of the Trust or by vote of a majority of outstanding voting securities of the Trust and (ii) by vote of a majority of the trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust (as defined in the Act) or of any person party to this Agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of such approval. |
17. | Termination . This Agreement may be terminated at any time without payment of any penalty (i) by the Board, or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust, upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Adviser and the Subadviser, (ii) by the Subadviser upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Adviser and the Trust, or (iii) by the Adviser upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Subadviser. This Agreement may also be terminated, without the payment of any penalty, by the Adviser or the Board immediately (i) upon the material breach by the Subadviser of this Agreement or (ii) at the terminating party’s discretion, if the Subadviser or any officer, director or key portfolio manager of the Subadviser is accused in any regulatory, self-regulatory or judicial investigation or proceeding as having violated the federal securities laws or engaged in criminal conduct. This Agreement may also be terminated, without the payment of any penalty, by the Subadviser immediately (i) upon the material breach by the Adviser of this Agreement or (ii) at the discretion of the Subadviser, if the Adviser or any officer or director of the Adviser is accused in any regulatory, self-regulatory or judicial investigation or proceeding as having violated the federal securities laws or engaged in criminal conduct. This Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately upon termination of the Advisory Agreement. This Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately in the event of its assignment, as such term is defined in and interpreted under the terms of the 1940 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder. In the event of termination, the Subadviser shall be entitled to receive all fees accrued due up to the date of such termination. Termination of this Agreement will not affect any outstanding orders or transactions or any legal rights or obligations which may already have arisen. Transactions in progress at the date of termination will be completed by the Subadviser as soon as reasonably practicable. |
18. | Applicable Law . To the extent that state law is not preempted by the provisions of any law of the United States heretofore or hereafter enacted, as the same may be amended from time to time, this Agreement shall be administered, construed and enforced according to the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts entered into and fully performed within the State of Delaware, without giving effect to conflict of laws principles. |
19. | Severability . If any term or condition of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable to any extent or in any application, then the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby, and each and every term and condition of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. |
20. | Notices. Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered personally or by overnight delivery service or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, or sent by facsimile or e-mail transmission addressed to the parties at their respective addresses set forth below, or at such other address as shall be designated by any party in a written notice to the other party. |
(a) | To the Adviser or the Trust at: |
Virtus Alternative Investment Advisers, Inc. |
100 Pearl Street |
Hartford, Connecticut 06103 |
Attn: Jennifer Fromm |
Telephone: (860) 263-4790 |
Facsimile: (860) 241-1024 |
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E-mail: jennifer.fromm@virtus.com |
(b) | To the Subadviser at: |
Fischer, Francis, Trees & Watts, Inc. |
200 Park Avenue, 11 th Floor |
New York, New York 10166 |
Attn: Robin Meister |
Telephone: 212-681-3026 |
Facsimile: 212-681-3295 |
E-mail: robin.meister@bnpparibas.com |
21. | Certifications. The Subadviser shall timely provide to the Adviser and the Trust, all information and documentation they may reasonably request as necessary or appropriate in order for the Adviser and the Board to oversee the activities of the Subadviser and in connection with the compliance by any of them with the requirements of this Agreement, the Registration Statement, the policies and procedures referenced herein, and any applicable law, including, without limitation, (i) information and commentary relating to the Subadviser or the Allocated Portion of the Series for the Trust’s annual and semi-annual reports, in a format reasonably approved by the Adviser, together with (A) a certification that such information and commentary discuss all of the factors that materially affected the performance of the Series with respect to the Allocated Portion, including the relevant market conditions and the investment techniques and strategies used and (B) additional certifications related to the Subadviser’s management of the Trust in order to support the Trust’s filings on Form N-CSR, Form N-Q and other applicable forms, and the Trust’s Principal Executive Officer’s and Principal Financial Officer’s certifications under Rule 30a-2 under the Act, thereon; (ii) within 5 business days of a quarter-end, a quarterly certification with respect to compliance and operational matters related to the Subadviser and the Subadviser’s management of the Allocated Portion of the Series (including, without limitation, compliance with the applicable procedures), in a format reasonably requested by the Adviser, as it may be amended from time to time; and (iii) an annual certification from the Subadviser’s Chief Compliance Officer, appointed under Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act with respect to the design and operation of the Subadviser’s compliance program, in a format reasonably requested by the Adviser or the Trust. Without limiting the foregoing, the Subadviser shall provide a quarterly certification in a form substantially similar to that attached as Schedule E. |
22. | Indemnification . |
A. | The Subadviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Adviser from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, or damages (including reasonable attorney’s fees and other related expenses) (collectively, “Losses”) arising from the Subadviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties under this Agreement in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that the Subadviser’s obligation under this Section 22 shall be reduced to the extent that the claim against, or the loss, liability, or damage experienced by the Adviser, is caused by or is otherwise directly related to (i) any breach by the Adviser of its representations or warranties made herein, (ii) any willful misconduct, bad faith, reckless disregard or negligence of the Adviser in the performance of any of its duties or obligations hereunder, or (iii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Trust(s) or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the Adviser that was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Subadviser or the Trust, or the omission of such information, by the Adviser for use therein. |
B. | The Adviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Subadviser from and against any and all Losses arising from the Adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its |
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duties under this Agreement in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that the Adviser’s obligation under this Section 22 shall be reduced to the extent that the claim against, or the loss, liability, or damage experienced by the Subadviser, is caused by or is otherwise directly related to (i) any breach by the Subadviser of its representations or warranties made herein, (ii) any willful misconduct, bad faith, reckless disregard or negligence of the Subadviser in the performance of any of its duties or obligations hereunder, or (iii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Trust or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the Subadviser that was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Adviser or the Trust, or the omission of such information, by the Subadviser for use therein. |
C. | A party seeking indemnification hereunder (the “Indemnified Party”) will (i) provide prompt written notice to the other of any claim (“Claim”) for which it intends to seek indemnification, (ii) grant control of the defense and /or settlement of the Claim to the other party, and (iii) cooperate with the other party in the defense thereof. The Indemnified Party will have the right at its own expense to participate in the defense of any Claim, but will not have the right to control the defense, consent to judgment or agree to the settlement of any Claim without the written consent of the other party. The party providing the indemnification will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter any settlement which (i) does not include, as an unconditional term, the release by the claimant of all liabilities for Claims against the Indemnified Party or (ii) which otherwise adversely affects the rights of the Indemnified Party. |
D. | No party will be liable to another party for consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement. |
23. | Receipt of Disclosure Documents . The Trust and the Adviser acknowledge receipt, at least 48 hours prior to entering into this Agreement, of a copy of Part 2 of the Subadviser’s Form ADV containing certain information concerning the Subadviser and the nature of its business. The Subadviser will, promptly after making any material amendment and within ninety days after making any non-material amendment to its Form ADV, furnish a copy of such amendment to the Adviser. On an annual basis and upon request, the Subadviser will provide a copy of its audited financial statements of BNP Paribas (the ultimate parent of the Subadviser), including balance sheets, for the two most recent fiscal years and, if available, each subsequent fiscal quarter. At the time of providing such information, the Subadviser shall describe any material adverse change in its financial condition since the date of its latest financial statement. |
24. | Counterparts; Fax Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (including executed counterparts delivered and exchanged by facsimile transmission) with the same effect as if all signing parties had originally signed the same document, and all counterparts shall be construed together and shall constitute the same instrument. For all purposes, signatures delivered and exchanged by facsimile transmission shall be binding and effective to the same extent as original signatures. |
25. | Bankruptcy and Related Events . Each of the Adviser and the Subadviser agrees that it will provide prompt notice to the other in the event that: (i) it makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, or is otherwise adjudged bankrupt or insolvent by a court of competent jurisdiction; or (ii) a material event occurs that could reasonably be expected to adversely impair its ability to perform this Agreement. The Adviser further agrees that it will provide prompt notice to the Subadviser in the event that the Trust ceases to be registered as an investment company under the Act. |
THE ADVISER, THE TRUST AND THE SERIES SHOULD ALSO BE AWARE THAT THIS COMMODITY TRADING ADVISOR MAY ENGAGE IN TRADING FOREIGN FUTURES OR OPTIONS CONTRACTS. TRANSACTIONS ON MARKETS LOCATED OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES, INCLUDING MARKETS FORMALLY LINKED TO A UNITED STATES MARKET, MAY BE
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SUBJECT TO REGULATIONS WHICH OFFER DIFFERENT OR DIMINISHED PROTECTION. FURTHER, UNITED STATES REGULATORY AUTHORITIES MAY BE UNABLE TO COMPEL THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE RULES OF REGULATORY AUTHORITIES OR MARKETS IN NON UNITED STATES JURISDICTIONS WHERE SERIES TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED. BEFORE THE SERIES TRADES, SERIES SHOULD INQUIRE ABOUT ANY RULES RELEVANT TO SERIES’ PARTICULAR CONTEMPLATED TRANSACTIONS AND ASK THE FIRM WITH WHICH THE SERIES INTENDS TO TRADE FOR DETAILS ABOUT THE TYPES OF REDRESS AVAILABLE IN BOTH THE SERIES’ LOCAL AND OTHER RELEVANT JURISDICTIONS.
PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM THE COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION (THE “COMMISSION”) IN CONNECTION WITH ACCOUNTS OF QUALIFIED ELIGIBLE PERSONS, THIS BROCHURE OR ACCOUNT DOCUMENT IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE, AND HAS NOT BEEN, FILED WITH THE COMMISSION. THE COMMISSION DOES NOT PASS UPON THE MERITS OF PARTICIPATING IN A TRADING PROGRAM OR UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF COMMODITY TRADING ADVISOR DISCLOSURE. CONSEQUENTLY, THE COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION HAS NOT REVIEWED OR APPROVED THIS TRADING PROGRAM OR THIS BROCHURE OR ACCOUNT DOCUMENT.
[signature page follows]
12
VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TRUST
By: /s/ Amy Hackett
Name: Amy Hackett
Title: Vice President and Assistant Treasurer
VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT ADVISERS, INC.
By: /s/ Frank Waltman
Name: Frank Waltman
Title: Executive Vice President
ACCEPTED:
Fischer, Francis, Trees & Watts, Inc.
By: /s/ Robin Meister
Name: Robin Meister
Title: Chief Legal and Compliance Officer
SCHEDULES: | A. | Operational Procedures |
B. | Record Keeping Requirements | |
C. | Fee Schedule | |
D. | Subadviser Functions | |
E. | Form of Sub-Certification | |
F. | Allocated Portion of the Series |
13
SCHEDULE A
OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
In order to minimize operational problems, it will be necessary for trade information to be supplied in a secure manner by the Subadviser to the Trust’s Service Providers, including: The Bank of New York Mellon (the “Custodian”), Virtus Fund Services (the “Fund Administrator”) BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., (the “Sub-Accounting Agent”), JP Morgan (the “Prime Broker”) and all other Counterparties/Brokers as required. The Subadviser must furnish the Trust’s service providers with required daily information as to executed trades in a format and time-frame agreed to by the Subadviser, Custodian, Fund Administrator, Sub-Accounting Agent and Prime Broker/Counterparties and designated persons of the Trust. Trade information sent to the Custodian, Fund Administrator, Sub-Accounting Agent and Prime Broker/Counterparties must include all necessary data within the required timeframes to allow such parties to perform their obligations to the Series.
The Sub-Accounting Agent specifically requires a daily trade blotter with a summary of all trades, in addition to trade feeds, including, if no trades are executed, a report to that effect. Daily information as to executed trades for same-day settlement and future trades must be sent to the Sub-Accounting Agent no later than 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the day of the trade each day the Trust is open for business. All other executed trades must be delivered to the Sub-Accounting Agent on Trade Date plus 1 by Noon (Eastern Time) to ensure that they are part of the Series’ NAV calculation. (The Subadviser will be responsible for reimbursement to the Trust for any loss caused by the Subadviser’s failure to comply with the requirements of this Schedule A.) On fiscal quarter ends and calendar quarter ends, all trades must be delivered to the Sub-Accounting Agent by 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) for inclusion in the financial statements of the Series. The data to be sent to the Sub-Accounting Agent and/or Fund Administrator will be as agreed by the Subadviser, Fund Administrator, Sub-Accounting Agent and designated persons of the Trust and shall include (without limitation) the following:
1. Transaction type (e.g., purchase, sale, open, close, put call);
2. Security type (e.g., equity, fixed income, swap, future, option, short, long);
3. Security name;
4. Exchange identifier (e.g., CUSIP, ISIN, Sedol, OCC Symbol) (as applicable);
5. Number of shares and par, original face, contract amount, notional amount;
6. Transaction price per share (clean if possible);
7. Strike price;
8. Aggregate principal amount;
9. Executing broker;
10. Settlement agent;
11. Trade date;
12. Settlement date;
13. Aggregate commission or if a net trade;
14. Interest purchased or sold from interest bearing security;
15. Net proceeds of the transaction;
16. Trade commission reason: best execution, soft dollar or research (to be provided quarterly);
17. Derivative terms;
18. Non-deliverable forward classification (to be provided quarterly);
19. Maturity/expiration date; and
20. Details of margin and collateral movement.
14
SCHEDULE B
RECORDS TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE SUBADVISER
1. | (Rule 31a-1(b)(5) and (6)) A record of each brokerage order, and all other series purchases and sales, given by the Subadviser on behalf of the Trust for, or in connection with, the purchase or sale of securities, whether executed or unexecuted. Such records shall include: |
A. | The name of the broker; |
B. | The terms and conditions of the order and of any modifications or cancellations thereof; |
C. | The time of entry or cancellation; |
D. | The price at which executed; |
E. | The time of receipt of a report of execution; and |
F. | The name of the person who placed the order on behalf of the Trust. |
2. | (Rule 31a-1(b)(9)) A record for each fiscal quarter, completed within ten (10) days after the end of the quarter, showing specifically the basis or bases upon which the allocation of orders for the purchase and sale of series securities to named brokers or dealers was effected, and the division of brokerage commissions or other compensation on such purchase and sale orders. Such record: |
A. | Shall include the consideration given to: |
(i) | The sale of shares of the Trust by brokers or dealers. |
(ii) | The supplying of services or benefits by brokers or dealers to: |
(a) | The Trust, |
(b) | The Adviser, |
(c) | The Subadviser, and |
(d) | Any person other than the foregoing. |
(iii) | Any other consideration other than the technical qualifications of the brokers and dealers as such. |
B. | Shall show the nature of the services or benefits made available. |
C. | Shall describe in detail the application of any general or specific formula or other determinant used in arriving at such allocation of purchase and sale orders and such division of brokerage commissions or other compensation. |
D. | Shall show the name of the person responsible for making the determination of such allocation and such division of brokerage commissions or other compensation. |
3. | (Rule 31a-1(b)(10)) A record in the form of an appropriate memorandum identifying the person or persons, committees or groups authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities. Where a committee or group makes an authorization, a record shall be kept of the names of its members who participate in the authorization. There shall be retained as part of this record: any memorandum, recommendation or instruction supporting or authorizing the purchase or sale of series securities and such other information as is appropriate to support the authorization. * |
4. | (Rule 31a-1(f)) Such accounts, books and other documents as are required to be maintained by registered investment advisers by rule adopted under Section 204 of the Advisers Act, to the extent such records are necessary or appropriate to record the Subadviser’s transactions for the Trust. |
5. | Records as necessary under Board- approved policies and procedures of the Trust, including without limitation those related to valuation determinations. |
* Such information might include: current financial information, annual and quarterly reports, press releases, reports by analysts and from brokerage firms (including their recommendations, i.e., buy, sell, hold) or any internal reports or subadviser review.
15
SCHEDULE C
SUBADVISORY FEE
For services provided to the Trust, the Adviser will pay to the Subadviser a fee, payable monthly in arrears, calculated on the average daily Managed Assets of the Allocated Portion of the Series at the annual rates shown in the table below. For this purpose, “Managed Assets” means the total assets of the Allocated Portion of the Series, including any assets attributable to borrowings, minus the Allocated Portion of the Series’ accrued liabilities other than such borrowings. The fee shall be prorated for any month during which this Agreement is in effect for only a portion of the month.
Name of Series | Subadvisory Fee* |
Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund |
0.55% for the first $100 million 0.45% over $100 million |
*Subject to an annual minimum fee of US$50,000, which will be waived for the first year.
16
SCHEDULE D
SUBADVISER FUNCTIONS
With respect to managing the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Allocated Portion of the Series, the Subadviser shall provide, at its own expense:
(a) | An investment program for the Allocated Portion of the Series consistent with its investment objectives based upon the development, review and adjustment of buy/sell strategies approved from time to time by the Board and the Adviser in paragraph 3 of this Subadvisory Agreement and implementation of that program; |
(b) | Periodic reports and/or questionnaires, on at least a quarterly basis, in form and substance acceptable to the Adviser, with respect to: i) compliance with the Code of Ethics and the Trust’s code of ethics; ii) compliance with procedures adopted from time to time by the Board relative to securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; iii) diversification of assets of the Allocated Portion of the Series in accordance with the then prevailing Registration Statement pertaining to the Series and governing laws, regulations, rules and orders; iv) compliance with governing restrictions relating to the fair valuation of securities for which market quotations are not readily available or considered "illiquid" for the purposes of complying with the Series’ limitation on acquisition of illiquid securities; v) any and all other reports reasonably requested in accordance with or described in this Agreement; vi) the implementation of the Allocated Portion of the Series’ investment program, including, without limitation, analysis of performance of the Allocated Portion of the Series; vii) compliance with the Investment Guidelines; viii) description of material changes in policies or procedures; and ix) description of any significant firm related developments; |
(c) | Promptly after filing with the SEC any material amendment, and within 90 days after making any non-material amendment, to its Form ADV, a copy of such amendment to the Adviser and the Board; |
(d) | Attendance by appropriate representatives of the Subadviser at meetings requested by the Adviser or Board at such time(s) and location(s) as reasonably requested by the Adviser or Board; and |
(e) | Notice to the Board and the Adviser of the occurrence of any event which would disqualify the Subadviser from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9(a) of the Act or otherwise. |
(f) | Reasonable assistance in the fair valuation of securities held by the Allocated Portion of the Series, including the participation of appropriate representatives at fair valuation committee meetings. |
17
SCHEDULE E
FORM OF SUB-CERTIFICATION
To: |
Re: | Subadviser’s Form N-CSR and Form N-Q Certification for the [Name of Series]. |
From: | [Name of Subadviser] |
Representations in support of Investment Company Act Rule 30a-2 certifications of Form N-CSR and Form N-Q.
[Name of Series]. |
In connection with your certification responsibility under Rule 30a-2 and Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I have reviewed the following information presented in the schedule of investments for the period ended [Date of Reporting Period] (the “Report”) which forms part of the N-CSR or N-Q, as applicable, for the Trust.
Schedule of Investments
Our organization has designed, implemented and maintained internal controls and procedures, designed for the purpose of ensuring the accuracy and completeness of relevant portfolio trade data transmitted to those responsible for the preparation of the Schedule of Investments. As of the date of this certification there have been no material modifications to these internal controls and procedures.
In addition, our organization has:
a. | Designed such internal controls and procedures to ensure that material information is made known to the appropriate groups responsible for servicing the above-mentioned mutual fund. |
b. | Evaluated the effectiveness of our internal controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the date of this certification and we have concluded that such controls and procedures are effective. |
c. | In addition, to the best of my knowledge, there has been no fraud, whether or not material, that involves our organization’s management or other employees who have a significant role in our organization’s control and procedures as they relate to our duties as a subadviser to the Series. |
I have read the draft of the Report which I understand to be current as of [Date of Reporting Period] and based on my knowledge, such draft of the Report does not, with respect to that portion of the Series allocated to the Subadviser (the “Allocated Portion of the Series”), contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the information contained therein, in light of the circumstances under which such information is presented, not misleading with respect to the period covered by such draft Report.
I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation, to the Series’ Chief Accounting Officer:
a. | All significant changes, deficiencies and material weakness, if any, in the design or operation of the Subadviser’s internal controls and procedures which could adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data with respect to the Allocated Portion of the Series in a timely fashion; |
b. | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves the Subadviser’s management or other employees who have a significant role in the Subadviser’s internal controls and procedures for financial reporting. |
18
I certify that to the best of my knowledge:
a. | The Subadviser’s Portfolio Manager(s) has/have complied with the restrictions and reporting requirements of the Code of Ethics (the “Code”). The term Portfolio Manager is as defined in the Code. |
b. | The Subadviser has complied with the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Series and the Policies and Procedures of the Series as adopted by the Series’ Board of Trustees. |
c. | I have no knowledge of any compliance violations except as disclosed in writing to the Virtus Compliance Department by me or by the Subadviser’s compliance administrator. |
d. | The Subadviser has complied with the rules and regulations of the 33 Act and 40 Act, and such other regulations as may apply to the extent those rules and regulations pertain to the responsibilities of the Subadviser with respect to the Allocated Portion of the Series as outlined above. |
e. | Since the submission of our most recent certification there have not been any divestments of securities of issuers that conduct or have direct investments in business operations in Sudan. |
This certification relates solely to the Allocated Portion of the Series named above and may not be relied upon by any other fund or entity.
The Subadviser does not maintain the official books and records of the above Series. The Subadviser’s records are based on its own portfolio management system, a record-keeping system that is not intended to serve as the Series’ official accounting system. The Subadviser is not responsible for the preparation of the Report.
_______________________________ | _______________________________ | |
[Name of Subadviser] | Date | |
[Name of Authorized Signer] | ||
[Title of Authorized Signer] |
19
SCHEDULE F
SERIES | ALLOCATED PORTION |
Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund | 10 Year Breakeven Inflation + Currency Alpha Strategy Allocation |
Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund | 10 Year Breakeven Inflation + Currency Alpha Strategy Allocation |
20
Exhibit 99.(g).(1).(c)
AMENDMENT
TO
CUSTODY AGREEMENT
This Amendment (“Amendment”) is made as of the 1st day of September, 2015, by and between VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TRUST (the “Trust”) and THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON (“BNY Mellon”).
BACKGROUND:
A. | BNY Mellon and the Trust entered into a Custody Agreement dated as of March 21, 2014, as amended to date, (the “Agreement”) relating to BNY Mellon’s provision of services to the Trust and its series (each a “Series”). |
B. | The parties desire to amend the Agreement as set forth herein. |
TERMS:
The parties hereby agree that:
1. | Schedule I to the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with Schedule I attached hereto. |
2. | Miscellaneous . |
(a) | Capitalized terms not defined in this Amendment shall remain in full force and effect. In the event of a conflict between the terms hereof and the Agreement, as to services described in this Amendment, this Amendment shall control. |
(b) | As hereby amended and supplemented, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. |
(c) | The Agreement, as amended hereby, constitutes the complete understanding and agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior communications with respect thereto. |
(d) | This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The facsimile signature of any party to this Amendment shall constitute the valid and binding execution hereof by such party. |
(e) | This Amendment shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its principles of conflicts of laws. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by their duly authorized officers designated below on the date and year first above written.
VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TRUST
By: /s/ Amy Hackett
Name: Amy Hackett
Title: VP and Asst Treasurer
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
By: /s/ Armando Fernandez
Name: Armando Fernandez
Title: Vice President, Managing Director
SCHEDULE I
(Amended and Restated as of September 1, 2015)
Fund:
Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust
Series:
Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund
Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund
Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund
Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund
Virtus Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund
Virtus Select MLP and Energy Fund*
Virtus Strategic Income Fund
*Expected launch date for commencement of services on or after September 1, 2015.
Exhibit 99.(g).(2).(c)
AMENDMENT
THIS AMENDMENT is made as of September 1, 2015 between each entity listed on Annex I attached hereto (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) and The Bank of New York Mellon (the “Custodian”).
WHEREAS, the Funds and the Custodian have entered into a Foreign Custody Manager Agreement dated as of March 21, 2014, as amended from time to time (the “Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, the parties wish to amend the Agreement as set forth herein.
NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. | Annex I to the Agreement shall be replaced in its entirety with Annex I attached hereto for the addition of the following Series: |
Virtus Select MLP and Energy Fund
2. | This Amendment constitutes the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all oral communication and prior writings (except as provided herein and in the Agreement) with respect thereto. Except for any amendments to the Agreement, all terms and conditions of the Agreement will continue in full force and effect in accordance with its provisions on the date of this Amendment. References to the Agreement will be to the Agreement, as amended by this Amendment. |
3. | No amendment, modification or waiver in respect of the matters contemplated by this Amendment will be effective unless made in accordance with the terms of the Agreement. |
4. | This Amendment shall become effective upon execution by the parties hereto. From and after the execution hereof, any reference to the Agreement shall be a reference to the Agreement as amended hereby. |
5. | Except as amended hereby, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. |
[Signature page follows.]
-2-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed in counterparts by their respective officers, thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written.
AUTHORIZED SIGNOR OF:
VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TRUST
By: /s/ Amy Hackett
Name: Amy Hackett
Title: Vice President and Assistant Treasurer
AUTHORIZED SIGNOR OF:
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
By: /s/ Armando Fernandez
Name: Armando Fernandez
Title: Vice President and Managing Director
ANNEX I
Fund Name
Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust
Series Name | Tax Identification | |
Virtus Alternative Income Solution Fund | 46-4544981 | |
Virtus Alternative Inflation Solution Fund | 46-4500611 | |
Virtus Alternative Total Solution Fund | 46-4500387 | |
Virtus Strategic Income Fund | 47-1302569 | |
Virtus Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund | 47-2880932 | |
Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund | 47-3865766 | |
Virtus Select MLP and Energy Fund | 47-4528978 |
Exhibit 99.(i).(2)
CONSENT OF SULLIVAN & WORCESTER LLP
We hereby consent to the use of our name and any reference to our firm in the Statement of Additional Information of Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (the “Trust”), included as part of Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-191940). In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
/s/ Sullivan & Worcester LLP
Sullivan & Worcester LLP
Washington, DC
February 26, 2016
Exhibit 99.(j).(1)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of our report dated December 22, 2015, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights which appear in the October 31, 2015 Annual Report to Shareholders of Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust, which is also incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement. We also consent to the references to us under the headings “Financial Highlights”, "Non-Public Portfolio Holdings Information", "Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" and "Financial Statements" in such Registration Statement.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 26, 2016
Exhibit 99.(p).(3)
Ascend Capital,
LLC
Code of Ethics and Conduct
September 2015
This Code of Ethics and Conduct sets forth the policies and procedures of Ascend Capital, LLC regarding business ethics, confidentiality and personal trading of securities. These policies and procedures are mandatory and are designed to protect the business interests of Ascend Capital, LLC, its affiliates, and its clients. This Code of Ethics and Conduct is adopted pursuant to Rule 204A-1 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Ascend Capital, LLC |
Code of Ethics and Conduct |
Table of Contents
Glossary | 4 |
Code of Ethics and Conduct | 7 |
Introduction | 7 |
Legal Requirement | 7 |
General Standards | 7 |
Branch Offices | 7 |
Basic Principles | 7 |
Beneficial Ownership | 8 |
Code Rules Are Not Exclusive | 8 |
Policies | 8 |
Illegal Activity | 8 |
Insider Trading | 8 |
Front running and Scalping | 8 |
Specific Rules | 9 |
Personal Account Trading Policy | 9 |
Service as a Director; Disclosure of other affiliations | 9 |
Confidentiality | 9 |
Activities to be Avoided | 9 |
Gifts | 10 |
Receipt of Gifts | 10 |
Sending Gifts | 10 |
Entertainment | 10 |
Being Entertained | 10 |
Entertaining | 10 |
Procedures & Sanctions | 11 |
Certification of Compliance | 11 |
Exceptions | 11 |
Retention of Reports and Other Records | 11 |
Reports of Violations | 11 |
Review and Enforcement | 11 |
Sanctions | 11 |
Appendix I Policy and Procedures to Detect and Prevent Insider Trading | 12 |
Policy Statement on Insider Trading | 12 |
Material Non-Public Information | 12 |
Advisory Information | 12 |
Penalties for Insider Trading | 12 |
Procedures to Implement Ascend’s Policy on Insider Trading | 13 |
Identifying Inside Information | 13 |
Personal Securities Trading | 13 |
Restricting Access to Material Non-Public Information | 13 |
Contact with Public Companies | 14 |
Expert Networks and Independent Research Vendors | 14 |
Tender Offers | 14 |
Public Company Employment by Certain Related Persons of an Employee | 14 |
Resolving Issues Concerning Insider Trading | 15 |
Exhibit A to Appendix I | 16 |
Certification Regarding Public Company Employment | 16 |
Appendix II Supervisory Procedures with Respect to Insider Trading | 17 |
Prevention of Insider Trading | 17 |
2 |
Ascend Capital, LLC |
Code of Ethics and Conduct |
Detection of Insider Trading | 17 |
Special Reports to Management | 17 |
Annual Summary Reports to Management | 17 |
Appendix III Personal Account Trading Policy | 18 |
Pre-clearance of Securities Transactions | 18 |
Short Term Trading | 18 |
New Issue Securities | 19 |
Limited Offerings | 19 |
Report of Holdings/Accounts | 19 |
Quarterly Personal Securities Trading Information | 19 |
Negative Reports | 20 |
Confidentiality | 20 |
Transaction Monitoring | 20 |
Appendix IV Initial and Annual Acknowledgment of Code of Ethics | 21 |
Appendix V Pre-Clearance Form | 22 |
Appendix VI Initial Disclosure of Supervised Person Personal Accounts | 23 |
Appendix VII Holdings Certifications | 24 |
Appendix VIII Brokerage Account Data Access Consent Form | 25 |
Appendix IX Beneficial Ownership | 26 |
Appendix X Use of Expert Networks and Independent Research Vendors | 27 |
Representations by Expert Network Firms and Independent Research Vendors | 27 |
Procedures for Use of Consultants | 27 |
Consultants at Public Companies | 28 |
Resolving Issues Concerning Information Provided by Consultants | 28 |
Review of Research Relationships | 28 |
Supervisory Procedures | 29 |
Schedule I Supervised Persons | 31 |
3 |
Ascend Capital, LLC |
Code of Ethics and Conduct |
Glossary
“Access Person”
Any Supervised Person who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, or has the ability to obtain nonpublic information regarding the purchase or sale of a Covered Security by a Client of the Adviser, or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales, and any Supervised Person who obtains nonpublic information concerning recommendations made to a Client with regard to the purchase or sale of Covered Securities. Schedule I of this Code sets forth the Access Persons of the Adviser. Such schedule may be amended from time to time.
“Adviser” and “Ascend”
Ascend Capital, LLC.
“Advisers Act”
The Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.
“Beneficial Ownership”
See Appendix IX of this Code.
“Branch Office”
A place of business from which Ascend conducts business other than its principal office and place of business, and that is listed as a branch office in Section 1.F. of Schedule D of Part 1A of Ascend’s Form ADV (as filed with the SEC).
“Clients”
For the purposes of this Code only, “Clients” shall refer to:
1. | Limited partners of any investment partnership advised or managed by Ascend |
2. | Shareholders of any offshore investment fund advised by Ascend |
3. | Beneficial owners of separately managed accounts advised or managed by Ascend |
“Chief Compliance Officer” or “CCO”
The individual employed by Ascend who is ultimately responsible for the Adviser’s supervisory system (including its implementation and maintenance) and the development and enforcement of the Adviser’s compliance program. The Chief Compliance Officer/CCO is appointed by the Managing Member. Ramona Shenoy is the CCO for Ascend.
“Code”
Ascend’s Code of Ethics and Conduct contained in this document and as amended from time to time.
“Compliance Monitoring System”
Ascend’s SunGard Protegent PTA System.
“Covered Accounts”
1. | Each securities account registered in a Supervised Person’s name and each account or transaction in which a Supervised Person has any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership interest or over which a Supervised Person has direct or indirect influence; |
2. | Each securities account for a Supervised Person’s spouses, minor children and other relatives living full time in their homes; and |
3. | Securities accounts of which the Adviser is a Beneficial Owner, provided that (except where the CCO otherwise specifies) investment partnerships or other funds of which the Adviser, or any affiliated entity is the general partner or investment adviser or from which the Adviser or such affiliated entity, receives fees based on capital gains are generally not considered Covered Accounts, despite the fact that the Adviser or Supervised Persons may be considered to have an indirect Beneficial Ownership in them. |
provided , that an account that can hold only cash and/or Exempt Securities is not a “Covered Account.”
“Covered Security”
Any security as defined in Rule 202(a)(18) of the Adviser Act (a broad definition that includes any interest or instrument commonly known as a security), but excluding Exempt Securities.
“Exchange Act”
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
4 |
Ascend Capital, LLC |
Code of Ethics and Conduct |
“Exempt Security”
1. | A security that is a direct obligation of the United States; |
2. | Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements; |
3. | Shares issued by money market funds; |
4. | Shares of open-end investment funds (mutual funds) not advised or sub-advised by Ascend (excluding exchange traded funds (ETFs)); |
5. | Shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-end investment funds not advised or sub-advised by Ascend; and |
6. | Securities traded in accounts over which a Supervised Person does not exercise any investment discretion such as a trust over which the Supervised Person cannot exercise discretion. |
“Front Running” / “Scalping”
Buying or selling securities in a Covered Account prior to Clients, in order to benefit from any price movement that may be caused by Client transactions or Ascend’s recommendations regarding the security.
“Initial Public Offering” or “IPO”
An offering of securities registered under the Securities Act, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
“Insider” and “Temporary Insider”
Officers, directors, principals and employees of a company. In addition, a person can be a “temporary insider” if he or she enters into a special confidential relationship in the conduct of a company’s affairs, where the company reasonably expects such person to keep confidential Material Non-Public Information, and as a result such person is given access to information solely for the company’s purposes. A temporary insider can include, among others, a firm’s attorneys, accountants, consultants, bank lending officers, shareholders, and the employees of such organizations.
“Insider Trading”
1. | The use of Material Non-Public Information to trade in securities; or |
2. | Communicating Material Non-Public Information to others in violation of the law. |
“Insider Trading Policy”
The Adviser’s written policies and procedures reg a rding Insider Trading as set forth in this Code.
“Material Non-Public Information”
1. | Information that a reasonable investor would consider important in making his or her investment decisions; |
2. | Information that, if publicly disseminated, is reasonably certain to have a substantial effect on the price of a company’s securities; |
3. | Material Non-Public Information should be presumed to include, but is not limited to: dividend changes; earnings estimates; changes in previously released earnings estimates; significant merger or acquisition proposals or agreements; commencement of or development in major litigation; liquidation problems; and extraordinary management developments; |
4. | Prior knowledge of forthcoming newspaper, periodical or broadcast reports whether or not the reports would be favorable; and |
5. | Knowledge of a decision, or an impending decision, by the Adviser to buy or sell a security for its Clients. |
“Managing Member”
The Managing Member of Ascend is Malcolm Fairbairn.
“New Issues Account”
An account at a prime broker, the purpose of which is to hold securities of New Issues for eligible Clients.
“New Issues”
Any initial public offering of an equity security, as defined in Section 3(a)(11) of the Exchange Act, made pursuant to a registration statement or offering circular. The term does not apply to securities issued in secondary offerings or debt securities.
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“Public Information”
Information that has been effectively communicated to the market place. For example, information found in a report filed with the SEC, or articles and reports in newspaper, periodical or broadcast reports.
“SEC”
Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Security”
Stocks, options, rights, warrants, futures contracts, convertible securities or other securities that are related to securities in which Ascend’s Clients may invest or as to which Ascend may make recommendations.
“Securities Act”
The Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“Supervised Person”
1. | Directors, members, officers, and partners of Ascend (or any other persons occupying a similar status or performing similar functions); |
2. | Employees; and |
3. | Any other person who provides advice on behalf of Ascend and is subject to Ascend’s supervision and control, including, without limitation, consultants and temporary persons employed by Ascend longer than one week. |
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Code of Ethics and Conduct
Introduction
The Adviser’s Code as set forth herein is designed to ensure that all Supervised Persons are aware of and adhere to the policies and procedures of the Adviser. Maintaining a spirit of openness, honesty and integrity are of paramount importance at the Adviser. The Adviser believes that its Supervised Persons should feel comfortable expressing their opinions and should be vigilant about alerting management of anything they deem amiss with respect to the Adviser’s business, operations or compliance. As evidence of the Adviser’s commitment to operating with integrity, the Adviser has adopted this Code, which may be amended from time to time.
Legal Requirement
Rule 204(A)-1 under the Advisers Act makes it unlawful for an Access Person not to report :
1. | Annual holdings information; and |
2. | Quarterly transaction information. |
In addition, the Advisers Act requires all Access Persons to comply with all applicable Federal securities laws, and to promptly report any violation of this Code to the CCO or his or her designee.
General Standards
As an investment adviser Ascend is a fiduciary. It owes its clients the highest duty of care, loyalty, honesty and good faith to act in the best interest of its Clients and relies on each Supervised Person to avoid conduct that is or may be inconsistent with that duty. It is also important for Supervised Persons to avoid actions that, while they may not actually involve a conflict of interest or an abuse of a Client's trust, may have the appearance of impropriety. Because Ascend serves as general partner and/or investment adviser to a number of Clients, Ascend has adopted this Code setting forth policies and procedures, including the imposition of restrictions on itself and Supervised Persons, to the extent reasonably necessary to prevent certain violations of applicable law. The Code is intended to set forth those policies and procedures and to state Ascend’s broader policies regarding its duty of loyalty to clients.
Branch Offices
Each Branch Office (and each Supervised Person employed at a Branch Office) is subject to the policies and procedures described in this Code.
Basic Principles
This Code is based on a few basic principles that should pervade all investment related activities of all Supervised Persons:
1. | The interests of Ascend’s Clients come before Ascend’s or any Supervised Person’s interests; |
2. | Honest and fair dealings with Clients; |
3. | Each Supervised Person’s professional activities and personal investment activities must be consistent with this Code and avoid any actual or potential conflict between the interests of Clients and those of Ascend or the Supervised Person’s; |
4. | To disclose to Clients any potential and/or actual conflicts of interests; |
5. | Each Supervised Person’s activities must be conducted in a way that avoids any abuse of a Supervised Person’s position of trust with and responsibility to Ascend and its Clients, including taking inappropriate advantage of that position; and |
6. | No Access Person will engage in any act, practice or course of conduct that would violate the provisions of Rule 204(A)-1, as set forth above. |
Each Supervised Person must understand and agree that any and all activities of the Supervised Person shall in all respects comply with applicable federal and state securities laws, and other laws, rules and regulations, any applicable laws of foreign jurisdictions, and the policies and procedures that have been adopted (or that may in the future be adopted) by Ascend, as each may be amended from time to time, including without limitation those prohibiting insider trading and front running of Client accounts.
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Beneficial Ownership
The concept of "beneficial ownership" of securities is broad. It includes not only Securities a person owns directly, and not only Securities owned by others specifically for his or her benefit, but also Securities held by his or her spouse, minor children and relatives who live full time in his or her home, and Securities held by another person if by reason of any contract, understanding, relationship, agreement or other arrangement the Supervised Person obtains benefits substantially equivalent to ownership. Examples of some of the most common of those arrangements are set forth in Appendix IX .
This broad definition of "beneficial ownership" does not necessarily apply for purposes of other securities laws or for purposes of estate or income tax reporting or liability. A Supervised Person may declare that the reporting or recording of any Securities transaction should not be construed as an admission that he or she has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the security for other purposes.
Code Rules Are Not Exclusive
This Code's procedures, standards, and restrictions do not and cannot address each potential conflict of interest. Rather, they attempt to prevent some of the more common types of problems. Ethical and faithful discharge of Ascend’s fiduciary duties require adherence to the spirit of this Code and awareness that activities, including personal securities transactions, could involve conflicts of interest. (For example, accepting favors from broker-dealers could involve an abuse of a Supervised Person's position. Ascend is a natural object of cultivation by securities dealers and it is possible that this consideration could impair Ascend’s objectivity.) If there is any doubt about any transaction the Supervised Person should consult the CCO.
Policies
All Supervised Persons must comply with the following policies.
Illegal Activity
As a matter of policy and the terms of each Supervised Person’s employment or other relationship with Ascend, the following types of activities are strictly prohibited:
1. | Using any device, scheme or artifice to defraud, or engaging in any act, practice, or course of conduct that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon, any Client or prospective client or any party to any securities transaction in which Ascend or any of its Clients is a participant; |
2. | Making any untrue statement of a material fact or omitting to state to any person a material fact necessary in order to make the statements Ascend has made to such person materially complete; |
3. | Engaging in any act, practice, or course of business that is fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative, particularly with respect to a Client or prospective client; and |
4. | Causing Ascend, acting as principal for its own account or for any account in which Ascend or any person associated with Ascend (within the meaning of the Advisers Act) to sell any security to or purchase any security from a Client in violation of any applicable law, rule or regulation of a governmental agency. |
Insider Trading
Supervised Persons are prohibited from engaging in what is commonly known as Insider Trading. Ascend has adopted an "Insider Trading Policy", set forth in Appendix I , that describes more fully what constitutes Insider Trading and the legal penalties for engaging in it. Each Supervised Person must review the Insider Trading Policy annually and certify on the “Annual Acknowledgment of Code of Ethics” (as set forth in Appendix IV ) through the Compliance Monitoring System that he or she has done so. Supervised Persons should refer to the Insider Trading Policy (as well as this Code), and consult with the CCO, whenever a Supervised Person believes he or she may have Material Non-Public Information.
Front running and Scalping
No Supervised Person may engage in what is commonly known as Front Running or Scalping. No Supervised Person may buy or sell a security when he or she knows Ascend is considering the security for purchase or sale for its Clients.
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Specific Rules
The following specific rules apply to all Supervised Persons and all Covered Accounts.
Personal Account Trading Policy
No Supervised Person may buy, sell, or pledge any security for any Covered Account without obtaining written clearance before the transaction. The required procedures are described in the Personal Account Trading Policy attached hereto as Appendix III .
Service as a Director; Disclosure of other affiliations
All Supervised Persons must report to the CCO any affiliation or business relationship they may have with any issuer. No Supervised Person may serve as a director of a publicly-held company without prior approval by the CCO (or the Managing Member, if the CCO is the proposed board member) based upon a determination that service as a director would not be adverse to the interests of any Client. In the limited instances in which such service is authorized by Ascend, Supervised Persons serving as directors will be isolated from other Supervised Persons who are involved in making decisions as to the securities of that company through procedures determined by the CCO to be appropriate in the circumstances. Ascend may not trade in any securities issued by any company of which any Supervised Person is a director.
Confidentiality
Supervised Persons are required to maintain strict confidentiality of all information they obtain through their employment at Ascend including, but not limited to, information regarding Ascend’s investment strategies, client portfolio transactions, holdings and proposed recommendations and client personal information. Consideration of a particular purchase or sale for a Client account may not be disclosed, except to authorized persons. Disclosure by a Supervised Person of any confidential information to any person including, but not limited to, such person’s spouse, significant other, family members, friends, acquaintances, or persons sharing a residence with such person, would constitute a violation of this Code and may be a violation of law. Such a violation may lead to sanctions by Ascend, including the termination of such person’s employment or association with Ascend (as applicable).
Activities to be Avoided
The following are potentially compromising situations which must be avoided. Any exceptions must be reported to the CCO:
1. | Participation in civic or professional organizations that might involve divulging confidential information of the Adviser; |
2. | Engaging in any form of harassment which is prohibited by law; |
3. | Investing or holding outside interest or directorship in clients, vendors or customers or competing companies, including financial speculations, where such investment or directorship might influence in any manner a decision or course of action of Ascend. In the limited instances in which service as a director is authorized by Ascend, Supervised Persons serving as directors will be isolated from other Supervised Persons who are involved in making decisions as to the securities of that company through procedures determined by the CCO to be appropriate in the circumstances; |
4. | Engaging in any financial transaction with any of Ascend’s vendors, investors or Supervised Persons, including but not limited to: providing any rebate, directly or indirectly, to any person or entity that has received compensation from Ascend; accepting, directly or indirectly, from any person or entity, other than Ascend, compensation of any nature as a bonus, commission, fee, gratuity or other consideration in connection with any transaction on behalf of Ascend; beneficially owning any security of, or have, directly or indirectly, any financial interest in, any other organization engaged in securities, financial or related business, except for beneficial ownership of not more than one percent (1%) of the outstanding securities of any business that is publicly owned; |
5. | Unlawfully discussing trading practices, pricing, clients, research, strategies, processes or markets with competing companies or their Supervised Persons; |
6. | Making any unlawful agreement with vendors, existing or potential investment targets or other organizations; |
7. | Improperly using or authorizing the use of any inventions, programs, technology or knowledge which are the proprietary information of Ascend; |
8. | Communicating any information regarding Ascend, Ascend’s investment products or any client to a prospective investor, journalist, client or regulatory authority that is not accurate, untrue or omitting to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements Ascend has made to such person not misleading; |
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9. | Posting or otherwise disseminating information regarding Ascend, Ascend’s investment products or any client, or concerning Ascend’s trading practices, proposed recommendations, pricing, research, strategies, processes or markets, on or through social networking sites (such as, without limitation, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn), blogs, electronic bulletin boards and/or electronic message boards; |
10. | Using personal email accounts and Mobile IM applications to conduct business for Ascend, except as permitted pursuant to Ascend’s Compliance Policies and Procedures Manual; and |
11. | Engaging in any conduct that is not in the best interest of Ascend or that might appear to be improper. |
Gifts
For purposes of the following policies on Receipt of Gifts and Sending Gifts, a gift of nominal value is defined as cash, cash equivalent, physical item, service (excluding event tickets and other entertainment, which are addressed separately below) with a maximum allowable value of $100.00 to any Supervised Person by any third party or from any Supervised Person to any Client or prospective client in any calendar year. Any gifts given or received by Ascend or any of its Supervised Persons to and from any individual are considered in aggregate whether or not they were conferred by the same or different people at Ascend or the other firm.
Receipt of Gifts
No Supervised Person or member of a Supervised Person’s immediate family may receive any gift of more than nominal value from any person or entity with whom Ascend does or might reasonably be expected to do business, including clients and their service providers, vendors and competitors. A Supervised Person or a member of a Supervised Person’s immediate family may receive a gift of nominal value from such a person or entity provided the gift is disclosed to the CCO using the Compliance Monitoring System, including the name and contact information of the sender, the name of the sender's firm, Ascend's business relationship with the sender, the approximate value of the gift, the recipient's name and the date of receipt. The Compliance Monitoring System will maintain a log of all gifts received by Ascend, its Supervised Persons and members of its Supervised Persons’ immediate families from such persons or entities, that will be reviewed by the CCO on a quarterly basis.
Sending Gifts
No Supervised Person or member of a Supervised Person’s immediate family may send any gift of more than nominal value to any person or entity with whom Ascend does or might reasonably be expected to do business, including clients and their service providers, vendors and competitors. A Supervised Person or member of a Supervised Person’s immediate family may send a gift of nominal value to such a person or entity provided the gift is disclosed to the CCO using the Compliance Monitoring System, including the name and contact information of the recipient, the name of the recipient's firm, Ascend's business relationship with the recipient, the approximate value of the gift, the sender's name and the date sent. The Compliance Monitoring System will maintain a log of all gifts sent by Ascend, its Supervised Persons and members of its Supervised Persons’ immediate families to such persons or entities, that will be reviewed by the CCO on a quarterly basis.
Entertainment
For purposes of the following policies on Being Entertained and Entertaining, an entertainment event (an “Event”) is defined as a conference, meal or sponsored outing. To qualify as entertainment, rather than as a gift, BOTH the Supervised Person and the vendor, service provider or client must be in attendance.
Being Entertained
Supervised Persons may attend an Event provided that a purpose of the meeting is to discuss Ascend’s business. Prior to attending any Event, Supervised Persons should notify the CCO using the Compliance Monitoring System, including the name and contact information of the person inviting the Supervised Person, the name of the firm, Ascend’s business relationship with the firm, the date of the Event, and a description of the Event (dinner, conference, sponsored outing). Attendance by a Supervised Person at any Event that is expected to cost the provider more than $100 must be pre-approved by the CCO through the Compliance Monitoring System. The Compliance Monitoring System will maintain a log of all Events attended by Supervised Persons, that will be reviewed by the CCO on a quarterly basis.
Entertaining
Supervised Persons may invite clients to an Event provided that a purpose of the meeting is to discuss Ascend’s business. Prior to making any such invitation, Supervised Persons should notify the CCO using the Compliance Monitoring System, including the name and contact information of the person being invited, the name of the firm,
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Ascend’s business relationship with the firm, the date of the Event, and a description of the Event (dinner, conference, sponsored outing). The Compliance Monitoring System will maintain a log of all Events attended by Supervised Persons, that will be reviewed by the CCO on a quarterly basis.
Procedures & Sanctions
Certification of Compliance
By January 30 of each year, each Supervised Person must certify, by submitting an “Annual Acknowledgment of Code of Ethics” using the Compliance Monitoring System, that he or she has read and understands this Code, that he or she recognizes that this Code applies to him or her, and that he or she has complied with all of the rules and requirements of this Code that apply to him or her.
Exceptions
In situations in which the CCO determines that strict compliance with certain of the specific rules prescribed above would be detrimental to Clients’ interests, or the limitations on a Supervised Person's legitimate interests that would result would not be justified by resulting protection of Clients' interests, the CCO may approve particular transactions or types of transactions on a case-by-case basis. The CCO will specify the limits and basis for each such exception, in writing.
Retention of Reports and Other Records
The CCO, or his or her designee, will maintain at Ascend’s principal office for at least five years:
1. | A copy of this Code and any related procedures, and any code that has been in effect during the past five years; |
2. | A record of any violation of the Code or any related procedures for the most recent five years, and a detailed synopsis of the actions taken in response; |
3. | A copy of each transactions report under the Code by (or duplicate confirmations or quarterly account statements for the account of) an Access Person; |
4. | A record of all persons, currently or within the past five years, who are or were required to make reports; |
5. | A record of any decision, and the reasons supporting the decision, to approve an acquisition by a Supervised Person of securities offered in an IPO or in a limited offering (including but not limited to a private placement). |
Reports of Violations
Any Supervised Person who learns of any violation, apparent violation, or potential violation of this Code is required to advise the CCO as soon as practicable. The CCO will then take such action as may be appropriate under the circumstances.
Review and Enforcement
The CCO shall be responsible for ensuring adequate supervision over the activities of all Supervised Persons in order to prevent and detect violations of the Code by such Supervised Persons. Specific duties may include, but are not limited to: (i) adopting, implementing and enforcing the Code’s procedures and controls; (ii) ensuring that all Supervised Persons fully understand the Code; (iii) establishing an annual review of the Code to ensure its policies and procedures are effective and are being followed; and (iv) review employee personal securities transactions and reports.
Sanctions
Upon discovering that any Supervised Person has failed to comply with the requirements of this Code, Ascend may impose on that Supervised Person whatever sanctions management considers appropriate under the circumstances, including censure, suspension, limitations on permitted activities, or termination of employment.
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Appendix I
Policy and Procedures to Detect and Prevent Insider Trading
Ascend has adopted the following policies and procedures to detect and prevent the misuse of Material Non-Public Information by Supervised Persons.
Policy Statement on Insider Trading
Ascend forbids any Supervised Person from trading, either personally or on behalf of others, on Material Non-Public Information or communicating Material Non-Public Information to others in violation of the law. This conduct is frequently referred to as Insider Trading. Ascend's policy applies to every Supervised Person and extends to activities within and outside their duties at Ascend. Any questions regarding Ascend's policy and procedures should be referred to the CCO.
The term Insider Trading is not defined in the federal securities laws, but generally is used to refer to the use of Material Non-Public Information to trade in securities (whether or not one is an Insider) or to communications of Material Non-Public Information to others. While the law concerning insider trading is not static, it is generally understood that the law prohibits.
1. | Trading by an Insider while in possession of Material Non-Public Information. |
2. | Trading by a non-Insider, while in possession of Material Non-Public Information, where the information either was disclosed to the non-Insider in violation of an Insider's duty to keep it confidential or was misappropriated. |
3. | Communicating Material Non-Public Information to others. |
The elements of Insider Trading and the penalties for such unlawful conduct are discussed below. If, after reviewing this policy statement, a Supervised Person has any questions he or she should consult the CCO.
Material Non-Public Information
Trading on inside information is not a basis for liability unless the information is material. Information generally is material if there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider it important in making his or her investment decisions, or if public dissemination of it is reasonably certain to have a substantial effect on the price of a company's securities. Information that should be presumed to be material includes, but is not limited to: dividend changes; earnings estimates; changes in previously released earnings estimates; significant merger or acquisition proposals or agreements; commencement of or developments in major litigation; liquidation problems; and extraordinary management developments. Material Non-Public Information does not have to relate to a company's business. For example, in one case, the Supreme Court considered as material certain information about the contents of a forthcoming newspaper column that was expected to affect the market price of a security. In that case, a Wall Street Journal (the “Journal”) reporter was found criminally liable for disclosing to others the dates that reports on various companies would appear in the Journal and whether those reports would be favorable or not. Perhaps more importantly, knowledge of a decision, or an impending decision, by Ascend to buy or sell a security for its clients or to recommend a security can constitute Material Non-Public Information.
Advisory Information
Information concerning (i) what Securities Ascend and its investment team are following; (ii) prospective Securities transactions of Ascend on behalf of its Clients; and (iii) current holdings of Client accounts, is strictly confidential. Under some circumstances, this information may be material and non-public.
Penalties for Insider Trading
Penalties for trading on or communicating Material Non-Public Information are severe, both for individuals involved in such unlawful conduct and their employers. A person can be subject to some or all of the penalties below even if he or she does not personally benefit from the violation. Penalties include:
1. | Immediate dismissal from Ascend; |
2. | Investigation, prosecution and conviction for criminal violations arising from insider trading, including securities fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy; |
3. | Jail sentences; |
4. | Civil injunction; |
5. | Damages in a civil suit as much as three times the amount of actual damages suffered by other buyers or sellers; |
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6. | A bar on working as an officer, director, employee or affiliate of a broker-dealer, investment advisor or investment company; |
7. | Disgorgement of profits; |
8. | Fines or civil penalties for the person who committed the violation of up to three times the profit gained or loss avoided, whether or not the person actually benefited; and/or |
9. | Fines or civil penalties for the employer or other controlling person of up to the greater of $1,000,000 or three times the amount of the profit gained or loss avoided. |
Securities fraud, in the context of insider trading by a fund manager, generally refers to trading on the basis of material, non-public information that was (i) disclosed, leaked or “tipped” by an insider in breach of a duty to keep the information confidential, or (ii) misappropriated in breach of a duty of confidentiality.
Wire fraud, in the context of insider trading, generally means the use of the wires, such as telephone or emails, in furtherance of a fraudulent scheme to defraud a publicly-traded company of money, property or the honest services of one of its officers or employees.
Conspiracy generally means an agreement between two or more people to commit a crime and an overt act or step by one of the conspirators in furtherance of the conspiracy.
Procedures to Implement Ascend’s Policy on Insider Trading
The following procedures have been established to assist Supervised Persons in avoiding Insider Trading, and to assist Ascend in preventing, detecting and imposing sanctions against Insider Trading. Every Supervised Person must follow these procedures or risk severe sanctions, including dismissal, substantial personal liability and criminal penalties. If a Supervised Person has any questions about these procedures he or she should consult the CCO.
Identifying Inside Information
Before trading for oneself or others, including investment partnership, offshore investment funds or private accounts advised or managed by Ascend, in the Securities of a company about which a Supervised Person may have potential Material Non-Public Information, the Supervised Person should consider the following questions:
Is the information material? Is this information that an investor would consider important in making his or her investment decisions? Is this information that would substantially affect the market price of the securities if generally disclosed?
Is the information non-public? To whom has this information been provided? Has the information been effectively communicated to the marketplace by being published in Reuters, The Wall Street Journal or other publications of general circulation?
If, after consideration of the above, the Supervised Person believes that the information is material and non-public, or if the Supervised Person has questions as to whether the information is material and non-public, the Supervised Person should take the following steps.
1. | Report the matter immediately to the CCO. |
2. | Refrain from purchasing or selling the Securities. |
3. | Refrain from communicating the information inside or outside Ascend other than to the CCO. |
If the CCO deems the information to be material and non-public the Supervised Person will be instructed to continue the prohibitions against trading and communication. If the CCO deems the information not to be material and/or non-public the Supervised Person may be allowed, subject to the discretion of the CCO, to trade and communicate the information.
Personal Securities Trading
All Supervised Persons of Ascend shall comply with Ascend’s Personal Account Trading Policy as detailed in Appendix III .
Restricting Access to Material Non-Public Information
Information in a Supervised Person's possession that is material and non-public may not be communicated to anyone, including persons within Ascend, except as provided herein. In addition, care should be taken so that such information is secure. For
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example, files containing Material Non-Public Information should be sealed and access to computer files containing Material Non-Public Information should be restricted.
Contact with Public Companies
Contact with public companies represents an important part of Ascend’s research efforts. Ascend may make investment decisions on the basis of conclusions formed through such contacts and analysis of publicly available information. However, in the course of such contacts, a Supervised Person could become aware of Material Non-Public Information. This could happen, for example, if a company's Chief Financial Officer prematurely discloses quarterly results to an analyst or if an investor relations representative makes a selective disclosure of adverse news to a handful of investors. Supervised Persons who believe they may have received Material Non-Public Information should immediately report the matter to the CCO and seek instruction as to whether to continue the prohibitions against trading and communication.
Expert Networks and Independent Research Vendors
The use of expert networks and independent research vendors by Ascend and its Supervised Persons will be governed by Ascend’s Use of Expert Networks and Independent Research Vendors policies and procedures as detailed in Appendix X .
Tender Offers
Tender offers represent a particular concern in the law of Insider Trading for two reasons. First, tender offer activity often produces extraordinary fluctuations in the price of the target company's securities. Trading during this time period is more likely to attract regulatory attention (and produces a disproportionate percentage of Insider Trading cases). Second, the SEC has adopted a rule which expressly forbids trading and "tipping" while in possession of Material Non-Public Information regarding a tender offer received from the tender offerer, the target company or anyone acting on behalf of either. Supervised Persons should exercise particular caution any time they believe that they may have become aware of any Material Non-Public Information (regardless of how trivial such information may seem) relating to a tender offer.
Public Company Employment by Certain Related Persons of an Employee
When a Supervised Person’s spouse, domestic partner or minor child, a relative living full time in his or her home, a person who receives material support (as defined below) from the Supervised Person, or a person from whom the Supervised Person receives material support (each, a “Covered Person”) holds a position with a public company, Ascend may take additional precautions to prevent inadvertent or other violations of these policies and procedures and to avoid any appearance of impropriety. (For purposes of this policy, “material support” means directly or indirectly providing more than 25% of a person's income in the prior calendar year.) Ascend has implemented the following procedures to obtain information regarding the public company affiliations of Supervised Persons and other Covered Persons:
Notice
A Supervised Person must inform Ascend immediately in a statement in the form of Exhibit A to this “Policy and Procedures to Detect and Prevent Insider Trading” if any other Covered Person related to the Supervised Person is or will be a board director, employee or consultant for a company that has a class of securities that is publicly traded. In addition, new Supervised Persons will be required to provide a statement in the form of Exhibit A upon joining Ascend, and all Supervised Persons will be required to provide an annual statement in the form of Exhibit A .
Director or Senior Officer
If a Supervised Person reports that a related Covered Person of such Supervised Person is a board director or senior executive officer (i.e., “C-suite” level, such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer) of a public company, the CCO will prohibit trading by the Supervised Person and/or other Covered Person (if trading by such Covered Person is subject to Ascend’s Personal Account Trading Policy) and Ascend in any securities of such public company, unless the CCO determines that under the relevant circumstances such a prohibition is not warranted.
Other Employees
If a Supervised Person reports that a related Covered Person of such Supervised Person holds a position with a public company other than as a board director or senior executive officer, the CCO will determine whether any further action is necessary,
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including, without limitation, prohibiting trading, and/or obtaining representations and undertakings from the Supervised Person and/or other Covered Person regarding such person’s access to, or sharing of, material nonpublic information.
Resolving Issues Concerning Insider Trading
If, after consideration of the items set forth above, doubt remains as to whether information is material or non-public, or if there is any unresolved question as to the applicability or interpretation of the foregoing procedures, or as to the propriety of any action, the matter should be discussed with the CCO before trading or communicating the information to anyone.
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Exhibit A to Appendix I
Certification Regarding Public Company Employment
I hereby certify that if my spouse, domestic partner or minor child, a relative living full time in my home, a person who receives material support (as defined below) from me, or a person from whom I receive material support (each, a “Covered Person”) is a board director, employee or consultant for a company that has a class of securities that is publicly traded, such relationship is disclosed in the list below:
Name of Covered Person | Company Name | Title/Position Held |
“Material support” means directly or indirectly providing more than 25% of a person's income in the prior calendar year.
___ ( check if applicable ) I have no such public company association to report.
I certify that all of the information provided by me on this certificate is true, complete and correct as of the date hereof. I agree to notify Ascend immediately in writing if any public company association of the kind described above, that is not reported above, should arise.
Signature : __________________________
Name : ____________________________
Date : _____________________________
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Appendix II
Supervisory Procedures with Respect to Insider Trading
The role of the CCO is critical to the implementation and maintenance of Ascend’s policy and procedures against Insider Trading. These procedures can be divided into two classifications:
Prevention of Insider Trading
To prevent insider trading, the CCO will:
1. | Provide, on a regular basis, an educational program to familiarize Supervised Persons with Ascend’s policy and procedures; |
2. | Answer questions regarding Ascend’s policy and procedures; |
3. | Resolve issues of whether information received by a Supervised Person is material and non-public |
4. | Review on a regular basis and update as necessary Ascend’s policy and procedures; |
5. | When it is determined that a Supervised Person has material non-public information; implement measures to prevent dissemination of such information; and if necessary restrict Supervised Persons from trading in the securities; and |
6. | Require all Supervised Persons to acknowledge his or her receipt and compliance with this policy and procedures regarding Insider Trading on an annual basis by submitting an “Annual Acknowledgment of Code of Ethics” using the Compliance Monitoring System. |
Detection of Insider Trading
To detect insider trading, the CCO, or his or her designee, will review the trading activity reports, or duplicate confirmations or account statements, provided by each Supervised Person and create a report that summarizes the review findings. All underlying trading activity reports, duplicate confirmation and account statements will be available as backup documentation. (See Personal Account Trading Policies and Procedures .) In addition, the CCO will review the trading activity in Ascend’s own account and in all Client accounts managed or advised by Ascend.
Special Reports to Management
Promptly, upon learning of a potential violation of Ascend’s Insider Trading Policy and Procedures, the CCO will prepare a written report to the Managing Member providing full details and recommendations for further action.
Annual Summary Reports to Management
On an annual basis, the CCO, or his or her designee, will create a report that summarizes activity, identifies any issues and details how issues were resolved for presentation to the Managing Member. The report will:
1. | Review and evaluate the full details of any investigation, either internal or by a regulatory agency, of any suspected insider trading and the results of such investigation; |
2. | Evaluate of the current procedures and any recommendations for improvement; and |
3. | Review and evaluate Ascend’s continuing educational program regarding insider trading. |
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Appendix III
Personal Account Trading Policy
It is important that all Supervised Persons recognize that the Ascend Personal Account Trading Policy, while complementary to Ascend's Policies and Procedures to Detect and Prevent Insider Trading, serves important additional purposes. Whether or not a Supervised Person is in possession of Material Non-Public Information, that Supervised Person might nevertheless violate his or her fiduciary duties to the accounts managed by Ascend by, for example, trading ahead of Ascend orders. Although Supervised Persons are not prohibited under this policy from trading securities for their own accounts that they are involved in trading on behalf of Ascend, they must do so only in full compliance with this Policy and their fiduciary obligations.
At all times, the interests of Ascend’s Clients must prevail over the Supervised Person’s interest. No trades or trading strategies used by a Supervised Person may conflict with Ascend's strategies or the markets in which Ascend is trading. Supervised Persons may not use Ascend's proprietary trading strategies to develop or implement new strategies which may otherwise disadvantage Ascend or its clients. Personal account trading must be done on the Supervised Person’s own time without placing undue burden on Ascend’s time.
In addition to the general principle described above that no Supervised Person may place his or her interests ahead of the interests of any client when trading securities, personal securities transactions by Supervised Persons are subject to the following specific restrictions.
Pre-clearance of Securities Transactions
No Covered Security may be purchased or sold for or from any Covered Account without the applicable Supervised Person first obtaining prior approval from the CCO (or, in the case of the CCO, from the Managing Member) through the Compliance Monitoring System using the “Pre-Clearance Form” (in the form attached as Appendix V ). Prior approval is effective only for transactions specified on the Pre-Clearance Form. In the event that the CCO is not accessible, all pre-clearance requests will be forwarded directly to the CFO. In the event that the CFO is not accessible, all pre-clearance requests will be forwarded directly to the Managing Member. It is each Supervised Person's responsibility to bring proposed transactions to the CCO’s attention through the Compliance Monitoring System and to obtain from the CCO on the same day documentation of any clearance. Transactions effected without pre-approval are subject, in the CCO’s discretion (after consultation with the Managing Member or other members of management, if appropriate), to being reversed or, if the Supervised Person made profits on the transaction, to disgorgement of such profits. A pre-approval authorization for a transaction is only valid for the dates specified on the approval, which will generally be for the period ending at the close of the U.S. markets on the next business day following the approval. If the transaction is not completed within those dates, the Supervised Person must have the proposed transaction pre-approved again. This requirement applies to transactions involving open market orders as well as those involving orders at a specific price.
Approval may be refused for any proposed trade by a Supervised Person that:
1. | Involves a security that is being or has been purchased or sold by Ascend on behalf of any Client or is being considered for purchase or sale; |
2. | Is otherwise prohibited under any internal policies of Ascend (such as Ascend’s Policy and Procedures to Detect and Prevent Insider Trading); |
3. | Breaches the Supervised Person’s fiduciary duty to any Client; |
4. | Is otherwise inconsistent with applicable law, including the Advisers Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended; or |
5. | Creates an appearance of impropriety. |
Authorization may be granted by the CCO only if:
1. | The proposed transaction will have no adverse effect on any Client account; |
2. | The proposed transaction will not position the Supervised Person to profit from a transaction (long or short) made or position held by a Client account; |
3. | No Insider Trading is involved. |
Short Term Trading
No Supervised Person may buy or sell a security within sixty (60) days of any prior transaction in such security, unless such transaction is approved in writing by the CCO through the Compliance Monitoring System. The CCO shall consider the totality of the circumstances, including the frequency of short term trading by the Supervised Person, whether the trade would involve a breach of any fiduciary duty; whether it would otherwise be inconsistent with applicable laws and Ascend policies and procedures;
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and whether the trade would create an appearance of impropriety. Based on his or her consideration of these issues, the CCO shall have the sole authority to grant or withhold permission to execute the trade.
New Issue Securities
No Supervised Person may purchase New Issues for any Covered Account without the consent of the CCO. Generally, Supervised Persons may not purchase or recommend New Issues for Covered Accounts until at least one day after the public offering has been completed.
Limited Offerings
As with all transactions, purchases (or recommendations) of securities for Covered Accounts in limited offerings, including but not limited to private placements, must be cleared in advance using the Compliance Monitoring System. In determining whether to approve any such transaction for a Supervised Person, the CCO and Managing Member will consider, among other factors, whether the investment opportunity should be reserved for client accounts and whether the investment opportunity is being offered to the Supervised Person by virtue of his or her position with Ascend. A Supervised Person who has acquired securities in a limited offering must notify the CCO and Managing Member if he or she is to participate in subsequent consideration of an investment by client accounts in securities of the same issuer. In such circumstances, a decision to acquire securities of that issuer for client accounts must be reviewed.
Reinvestment of dividends pursuant to an automatic dividend reinvestment plan is not subject to the foregoing restrictions; however, any additional capital investments permitted as part of such a plan are.
Report of Holdings/Accounts
Each Supervised Person shall, no later than 10 days after the Supervised Person begins its relationship with Ascend, or otherwise becomes an Access Person of Ascend, (i) provide to the CCO copies of brokerage account statements for all securities owned in all Covered Accounts, which are as of a date that is within 45 days of the date the employee submits them to the Firm, and (ii) complete and submit Appendix VI - Initial Disclosure of Supervised Person Personal Accounts.
In addition, each Supervised Person shall, no later than 10 days after the Supervised Person begins its relationship with Ascend, or otherwise becomes an Access Person of Ascend, provide the CCO with one or more completed and signed “Brokerage Account Data Access Consent Form(s)” (in the form attached as Appendix VIII) to allow Ascend to receive electronic delivery of brokerage account information into the Compliance Monitoring System. If a relevant brokerage firm does not provide electronic delivery of brokerage account information, the Supervised Person will be required to provide brokerage statements from such brokerage firm to Ascend on a quarterly basis. After the CCO indicates to each such Supervised Person that such person’s account and holdings information has been received by or entered into the Compliance Monitoring System, such person must submit an “Initial Holdings Certification” (in the form set forth in Appendix VII) confirming such account and holdings information through the Compliance Monitoring System. If a Supervised Person opens a new Covered Account, the Supervised Person must immediately provide the CCO with an additional or amended Brokerage Account Data Access Consent Form(s) that includes the new account.
On an annual basis, each Supervised Person will be required to confirm that the Compliance Monitoring System contains all holdings and transaction information for all Covered Accounts of that Supervised Person by submitting an “Annual Holdings Certification” (in the form set forth in Appendix VII ) through the Compliance Monitoring System.
Any person who fails to provide the information as set forth above will be subject to discipline by Ascend. Supervised Persons are also required to disclose the amounts and locations of any securities obtained upon any subsequent event (marriage, inheritance, etc.).
Quarterly Personal Securities Trading Information
Ascend will obtain, not less than quarterly, transaction and holdings information regarding the Covered Accounts of Supervised Persons that have provided Brokerage Account Data Access Consent Forms to Ascend. Not later than 20 calendar days following the end of each quarter, each Supervised Person that has not provided a completed and signed Brokerage Account Data Access Consent Form must provide the CCO with copies of brokerage account statements for all securities owned in all Covered Accounts for each month end included in the prior quarter. Each statement will contain the following information:
1. | Name of Supervised Person |
2. | Name of the securities purchased or sold, including the number of shares or principal amount if fixed income securities; |
3. | Date and nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale or other acquisition or disposition); |
4. | Price at which the transaction was effected; and |
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5. | Names of the broker/dealer or bank through whom the transaction was effected. |
Upon receipt of brokerage account data and/or statements, the CCO, or his or her designee, will review all brokerage account data and statements for any evidence of improper trading activities or conflicts of interest by Supervised Persons, including, without limitation, trades placed shortly before or after trades placed in the same security for client accounts. After reviewing each Supervised Person’s data and/or statements, the CCO, or his or her designee, will create a report that summarizes the findings of the review, which will be signed and dated by the CCO.
Negative Reports
It is the policy of Ascend that brokerage account information for all Supervised Persons be reviewed quarterly by the CCO whether or not securities transactions have occurred in their Covered Accounts during the period.
Confidentiality
All statements of holdings, duplicate trade confirmations, duplicate account statements, electronic data feeds of account information and monthly and quarterly reports will generally be held in confidence by the CCO. However, the CCO may provide access to any of those materials to other members of Ascend’s management in order to resolve questions regarding compliance with this policy and regarding potential purchases or sales for Client accounts, and Ascend may provide regulatory authorities with access to those materials when required to do so under applicable laws, regulations, or orders of such authorities. The CCO may, in his or her discretion, consult with legal counsel in relation to the disclosure of such information.
Transaction Monitoring
To determine whether Supervised Persons have complied with the rules described above (and to detect possible insider trading), the CCO will have access to and will review transactions effected in Covered Accounts within 30 days after the end of each month, and will review duplicate trade confirmations provided pursuant to those rules within 10 days after their receipt. The CCO will compare transactions in Covered Accounts with transactions in client accounts for transactions or trading patterns that suggest violations of this Policy or potential front running, scalping, or other practices that constitute or could appear to involve abuses of Supervised Persons' positions. Transactions in the CCO’s Covered Accounts, will be reviewed by the Managing Member, who will act as to the CCO’s transactions, in the same manner as the CCO. If the Managing Member determines that a violation of this Policy has or may have occurred, he or she shall submit his or her written determination, together with documentation relating to the determination and any additional explanatory material provided by the CCO to the Managing Member, who shall make an independent determination of whether a violation has occurred.
The restrictions and reporting requirements in this Personal Account Trading Policy do not apply to transactions in any account over which a Supervised Person does not have Beneficial Ownership or does not exercise direct or indirect influence or control. The most common example of such a situation is one in which Securities are held in a trust of which a Supervised Person is a beneficiary but is not the trustee and has no control or influence over the trustee. This exception is very limited and will be construed narrowly. Questions about "influence or control" or otherwise about Beneficial Ownership or reporting responsibilities should be directed to the CCO.
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Appendix IV
Initial and Annual Acknowledgment of Code of Ethics
Initial Acknowledgment of Code of Ethics
I have read, understand, acknowledge that I am subject to, and agree to abide by, the guidelines set forth in the Code of Ethics and Conduct (the "Code") of Ascend Capital, LLC ("Ascend"), including the Appendices and Schedules thereto. I further certify that I have disclosed or reported all personal securities transactions required to be disclosed or reported pursuant to the requirements of the Code.
I UNDERSTAND THAT THE DUTY OF CONFIDENTIALITY DESCRIBED IN THE CODE AND THE POLICY AND PROCEDURES TO DETECT AND PREVENT INSIDER TRADING ATTACHED AS APPENDIX I TO THE CODE REQUIRE THAT I MAINTAIN STRICT CONFIDENTIALITY OF ALL INFORMATION I OBTAIN THROUGH MY EMPLOYMENT AT ASCEND INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, INFORMATION REGARDING ASCEND'S INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, CLIENT PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND HOLDINGS, AND CLIENT PERSONAL INFORMATION. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE DISCLOSURE OF ANY SUCH INFORMATION BY ME TO ANY PERSON INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, MY SPOUSE, SIGNIFICANT OTHER, FAMILY MEMBERS, FRIENDS, ACQUAINTANCES, OR PERSONS SHARING A RESIDENCE WITH ME, WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE CODE AND MAY BE A VIOLATION OF LAW. I UNDERSTAND THAT ANY VIOLATION OF THE CODE MAY LEAD TO SANCTIONS BY ASCEND, INCLUDING THE TERMINATION OF MY EMPLOYMENT OR ASSOCIATION WITH ASCEND (AS APPLICABLE), AND THAT VIOLATIONS OF LAWS REGARDING INSIDER TRADING CARRY SEVERE PENALTIES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FINES AND IMPRISONMENT.
I AGREE TO IMMEDIATELY REPORT TO THE CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER OF ASCEND ANY BREACH BY ME OF THE CODE INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY BREACH OF THE DUTY OF CONFIDENTIALITY OR THE POLICY AND PROCEDURES TO DETECT AND PREVENT INSIDER TRADING.
Annual Acknowledgment of Code of Ethics
I have read, understand, acknowledge that I am subject to, and agree to abide by, the guidelines set forth in the Code of Ethics and Conduct (the "Code") of Ascend Capital, LLC ("Ascend"), including the Appendices and Schedules thereto. I further certify that I have complied with the Code since the date of my previous Acknowledgement of Code of Ethics, if any, and that I have disclosed or reported all personal securities transactions required to be disclosed or reported pursuant to the requirements of the Code.
I UNDERSTAND THAT THE DUTY OF CONFIDENTIALITY DESCRIBED IN THE CODE AND THE POLICY AND PROCEDURES TO DETECT AND PREVENT INSIDER TRADING ATTACHED AS APPENDIX I TO THE CODE REQUIRE THAT I MAINTAIN STRICT CONFIDENTIALITY OF ALL INFORMATION I OBTAIN THROUGH MY EMPLOYMENT AT ASCEND INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, INFORMATION REGARDING ASCEND'S INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, CLIENT PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND HOLDINGS, AND CLIENT PERSONAL INFORMATION. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE DISCLOSURE OF ANY SUCH INFORMATION BY ME TO ANY PERSON INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, MY SPOUSE, SIGNIFICANT OTHER, FAMILY MEMBERS, FRIENDS, ACQUAINTANCES, OR PERSONS SHARING A RESIDENCE WITH ME, WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE CODE AND MAY BE A VIOLATION OF LAW. I UNDERSTAND THAT ANY VIOLATION OF THE CODE MAY LEAD TO SANCTIONS BY ASCEND, INCLUDING THE TERMINATION OF MY EMPLOYMENT OR ASSOCIATION WITH ASCEND (AS APPLICABLE), AND THAT VIOLATIONS OF LAWS REGARDING INSIDER TRADING CARRY SEVERE PENALTIES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FINES AND IMPRISONMENT.
I AGREE TO IMMEDIATELY REPORT TO THE CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER OF ASCEND ANY BREACH BY ME OF THE CODE INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY BREACH OF THE DUTY OF CONFIDENTIALITY OR THE POLICY AND PROCEDURES TO DETECT AND PREVENT INSIDER TRADING.
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Appendix V
Pre-Clearance Form
Entry Date:_____________
Name of Access Person: _____________________________ Account: _____________________________
Symbol:_______________________________________
Security Name: _______________________________________
Transaction Type: _____ (Buy/Sell)
Quantity: _________
Activity Type: _____
IPO: _________ (No/Yes)
To the best of your knowledge, is this security also held or
about to be held (long or short) for any Ascend account?: ___
(Yes/No)
If Yes, date the security was last traded for an Ascend account: ______________
Does Supervised Person have any relationship with the issuer of the securities in question? _____ (Yes/No)
If Yes, explain:_____________________________________________
Date of most recent purchase or sale of any security of same issuer ________________ (write N/A if none)
Approximate percentage of outstanding securities of the same class of the issuer owned now__________
(write N/A if under 1%)
Approximate percentage of outstanding securities of the same class of the issuer to be owned after transaction: ___________
(write N/A if under 1%)
All securities purchased by a Supervised Person must be retained (long or short) for at least 30 calendar days after purchase.
Supervised Person acknowledges and agrees that Supervised Person may be prohibited from liquidating a particular position due to Inside Information received by Ascend or transactions entered into by Ascend for an Ascend Account. Supervised Person recognizes that he or she may suffer substantial losses as a result of such liquidation prohibition and agrees that Ascend shall have no responsibility whatsoever therefore.
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Appendix VI
Initial Disclosure of Supervised Person Personal Accounts
ACCOUNT INFORMATION
I certify that listed below are the account name and description of each of my Covered Accounts, if any. See the Code of Ethics and Conduct (the “ Code ”) of Ascend Capital, LLC (“ Ascend ”) for the definition of “Covered Account.” You must provide copies of a brokerage account statement with respect to each listed account, dated within 45 days prior, within 10 days after you have joined Ascend (or after you otherwise become an Access Person (as defined in the Code) .
Name of Account | Name of Broker-Dealer or Bank | Account Number | Statements Provided to Ascend |
¨ (check, if applicable) I certify that: (i) I do not have any Covered Account to report .
Signature : __________________________
Name : ____________________________
Date : _____________________________
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Appendix VII
Holdings Certifications
Initial Holdings Certification
I certify that below is a list of all Covered Securities held in each of my Covered Accounts. See the Glossary section of the Code of Ethics and Conduct of Ascend Capital, LLC (“Ascend”) for the definition of “Covered Securities” and “Covered Accounts.”
I certify that all of the information provided by me or on my behalf is true, complete and correct as of the date hereof. I agree to notify Ascend immediately in writing if I establish a new Covered Account. I agree to either (i) give Ascend my authorization to access electronically all data regarding the holdings and transactions in each of my Covered Accounts, or (ii) provide or cause to be provided brokerage statements for each such Covered Account to Ascend within 20 days after the end of each calendar quarter.
Annual Holdings Certification
I certify that below is a list of all Covered Securities held in each of my Covered Accounts (if any) for which I have provided consent for electronic delivery of account information to Ascend. See the Glossary section of the Code of Ethics and Conduct of Ascend Capital, LLC ("Ascend") for the definition of “Covered Securities” and “Covered Accounts.” In addition, to the extent applicable, I certify that I will provide to Ascend, by no later than January 31 st , all brokerage statements showing all Covered Securities in each Covered Account for which I have not provided consent for electronic delivery of account information to Ascend.
I certify that all of the information provided by me or on my behalf is true, complete and correct as of the date hereof. I agree to notify Ascend immediately in writing if I establish a new Covered Account.
I certify that since my previous Annual Holdings Certification, I have provided Ascend with information regarding any new Covered Accounts.
I also certify that for each quarter of the period since my previous Annual Holdings Certification either (i) I have given Ascend my authorization to access electronically all data regarding the holdings and transactions in each of my Covered Accounts, or (ii) have provided or have caused to be provided brokerage statements for each such Covered Account to Ascend within 20 days after the end of each calendar quarter.
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Appendix VIII
Brokerage Account Data Access Consent Form
In connection with the Personal Account Trading Policy of Ascend Capital, LLC (“Ascend”) as set forth in Appendix III to Ascend’s Code of Ethics and Conduct (the “Code of Ethics”), I understand that Ascend has arrangements in place with certain broker-dealers pursuant to which Ascend, and service providers acting on behalf of Ascend, are able to receive electronic delivery of account information for purposes of satisfying the obligations of Ascend’s Supervised Persons (as defined in the Glossary section of the Code of Ethics) to provide certain brokerage statements to Ascend.
I hereby authorize the broker-dealer firms identified below to provide to Ascend, and to service providers acting on Ascend’s behalf, any and all transaction and holdings information relating to securities held in the account(s) identified below:
Broker-dealer name: | ||
Account numbers: | ||
Signature of Supervised Person | Date | ||
Name of Supervised Person (Please Print) |
Note: Supervised Persons must list all Covered Accounts maintained at the relevant broker-dealer, and must complete separate forms for each broker-dealer with which they maintain accounts.
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Appendix IX
Beneficial Ownership
Beneficial ownership by a person will be interpreted in the same manner as it would be in determining whether that person is subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations thereunder, except that the determination of direct or indirect beneficial ownership shall apply to all securities a person has or acquires. Some examples of when beneficial ownership would exist are where securities are held:
1. | By a Supervised Person for his/her own benefit, whether bearer, registered in his/her own name, or otherwise; |
2. | By others for the Supervised Person's benefit (regardless of whether or how registered), such as securities held for the Supervised Person by custodians, brokers, relatives, executors or administrators; |
3. | For a Supervised Person's account by a pledgee; |
4. | By a trust in which a Supervised Person has an income or remainder interest unless the Supervised Person's only interest is to receive principal if (a) some other remainderman dies before distribution or (b) if some other person can direct by will a distribution of trust property or income to the Supervised Person; |
5. | By a Supervised Person as trustee or co-trustee, where either the Supervised Person or any member of his/her immediate family (i.e., spouse, children and their descendants, stepchildren, parents and their ancestors, and step-parents, in each case treating a legal adoption as blood relationship) has an income or remainder interest in the trust; |
6. | By a trust of which the Supervised Person is the settlor, if the Supervised Person has the power to revoke the trust without obtaining the consent of all the beneficiaries; |
7. | By any non-public partnership in which the Supervised Person is a partner; |
8. | By a personal holding company controlled by the Supervised Person alone or jointly with others; |
9. | In the name of the Supervised Person's spouse unless legally separated; |
10. | In the name of minor children of the Supervised Person or in the name of any relative of the Supervised Person or of his/her spouse (including an adult child) who is presently sharing the Supervised Person's home. This applies even if the securities were not received from the Supervised Person and the dividends are not actually used for the maintenance of the Supervised Person's home; |
11. | In the name of any person other than the Supervised Person and those listed in (9) and (10) above, if by reason of any contract, understanding, relationship, agreement, or other arrangement the Supervised Person obtains benefits substantially equivalent to those of ownership and/or exercises direct or indirect influence or control; and |
12. | In the name of any person other than the Supervised Person, even though the Supervised Person does not obtain benefits substantially equivalent to those of ownership (as described in (11) above), if the Supervised Person can vest or revest title in himself/herself. |
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Appendix X
Use of Expert Networks and Independent Research Vendors
Ascend uses expert network firms and independent research vendors to arrange access to consultants and research associates with valuable expertise in particular markets or particular companies (“Consultants”). Federal law enforcement agencies have recently been paying close attention to the activities of expert networks and independent research vendors, believing that some such networks have been used as a conduit for the conveyance of material non-public information to investors. In order to ensure that any use of expert networks and independent research vendors by Ascend does not result in the violation of insider trading laws by Ascend or any person associated with Ascend, and to show any investigating regulators that Ascend has taken active steps to prevent such violations, Ascend has adopted these Use of Expert Networks and Independent Research Vendors policies and procedures. The defined term “Consultant,” as used in these policies and procedures, shall not include the chief executive officer, chief financial officer or investor relations personnel of any company.
The use of expert networks and independent research vendors is subject to the following restrictions and procedures:
Representations by Expert Network Firms and Independent Research Vendors
Each expert network firm and independent research vendor with which Ascend does business will be required to provide a letter to Ascend substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto (or such other forms as the CCO shall deem to be appropriate).
Procedures for Use of Consultants
Procedures for scheduling calls (which term for purposes of these Use of Expert Networks and Independent Research Vendors procedures will also include meetings) with Consultants:
1. | If the call is with a public company employee, pre-clear the call (see “Public Company Employees” section below”) |
2. | When calls are set up/confirmed, an email confirming the call must be sent with the following disclaimer: |
“As you know, Ascend Capital, LLC and its affiliates, on behalf of such entities and their clients, buy and sell securities and collect information to help make investment decisions. We do not wish to receive any confidential information that you are not authorized to provide to us. Please be sure to comply with (i) any confidentiality obligations that you may have, and (ii) any policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the securities laws to which you are subject. We do not intend to restrict our securities trading activity following the receipt of any information that you provide.”
3. | All Consultants will be provided with the following representations (either by us or by Guidepoint, DeMatteo or other expert network) prior to any call with the Consultant, and the Consultant must provide its acknowledgment prior to the call: |
“You hereby represent and acknowledge the following to Ascend Capital, LLC and its affiliates (“Ascend”), in connection with each consultation that you may have with them:
* You acknowledge that Ascend is in the business of investing and trading in securities.
* You are not currently, and have not been, within the past 6 months, an employee or member of the board of directors of any company with outstanding publicly traded securities which is the subject of the consultation between you and any employee of Ascend, and your participation in any consultation with Ascend will not violate any policies of any current or former company by which I am or have been employed, or to which I serve or have served as a director.
* You will not provide to Ascend any material non-public information regarding a publicly traded company. Material non-public information is any information that would likely have an effect on the value of a company and/or that a reasonable investor would consider important in making his or her investment decisions, and that is not ordinarily made available to the public.
* You will not provide or transmit information to Ascend if you believe that someone breached a duty of confidence by disclosing the information to you.
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* You will not provide or transmit information to Ascend if you believe that to do so would result in a violation of any duty that you owe to a third party, including (as applicable and without limitation) your current or former employer.
* You will not disclose the identity of Ascend to anyone other than the employees of the expert network or independent research vendor through which you were retained by Ascend with a need to know such information.
Please acknowledge that you have read and agreed to the above representations, warranties and agreements by responding to this email with a response reading “Agreed.” Failure to so acknowledge will prevent your participating in this consultation.”
Consultants at Public Companies
1. | Pre-Clearance |
* All scheduled calls with Consultants that are employed at public companies must be pre-cleared with compliance prior to the consultation on the day of the consultation, to confirm that we do not currently have a position in the company's stock. If we do have a position, the call will be cancelled unless an exception is granted by the CCO in the circumstances described below.
* The pre-clearance request to compliance must include information regarding the identity of the Consultant, the expected scope of the discussions and the general purpose of the call, and the topics to be discussed.
* Prior to providing clearance for a call with a Consultant, the CCO may perform such background investigations of the Consultant as the CCO deems necessary.
* Sector Managers, Analysts/Associates and Research Assistants are responsible for ensuring that they have documentation of the approval from compliance.
* All scheduled calls with Consultants that are employed at public companies that are not pre-cleared by compliance must be cancelled.
2. | A Consultant that is employed by a public company may only be used in Ascend’s research process if Ascend (or the accounts for which it provides investment advisory services) does not have a position in the equity securities of the public company. Exceptions may approved by the CCO where the consultation is related to a specific topic that is not related to Ascend’s investment thesis on the company and/or where the position is held by a different sector manager. In connection with any such exception, the CCO may institute a five day cooling-off period (or such other period as the CCO deems appropriate) after any such consultation, during which Ascend will not trade in the equity securities of the Consultant’s employer. |
3. | Employees speaking with Consultants who are employed at public companies are not permitted to discuss anything about the public company by which the Consultant is employed, except as may be agreed by the CCO in advance of the Consultant call. |
For the purposes of the above policies, a Consultant will be deemed to be employed by a public company until six months have elapsed from the date upon which the Consultant ceased to be an employee of the public company.
Resolving Issues Concerning Information Provided by Consultants
In the event that there is any concern that a Consultant may have provided material non-public information, the matter should be discussed with the CCO before trading or communicating the information to anyone.
Review of Research Relationships
All relationships with expert networks and independent research vendors will be reviewed by Malcolm Fairbairn and the sector managers no less frequently than once each fiscal year. Relationships with expert networks and independent research vendors will be continued, modified or terminated as warranted based on this review. In order to perform such review, the CCO shall seek from the expert network or independent research vendor such information regarding the expert network or independent research vendor’s business practices, compliance policies and contractual and compensation arrangements between the expert network or
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independent research vendor and the Consultants as Malcolm Fairbairn, the Sector Managers and/or the CCO deem to be necessary.
In addition, all expert networks and independent research vendors with which Ascend does business will be subject to an automated daily scan of news sources for articles relating to such companies, the results of which will be reviewed by the CCO or his or her designee and will be communicated to Malcolm Fairbairn and the sector managers if such articles suggest that an immediate review of Ascend’s relationship with the expert network or independent research vendor is warranted.
Supervisory Procedures
On a quarterly basis, the CCO, or his or her designee, will perform the following supervisory procedures relating to the use of expert networks and independent research vendors:
1. | perform a random review of e-mails confirming calls with Consultants, to ensure that the required disclaimer language was included; |
2. | obtain from each expert network: (i) written confirmation that the expert network has obtained the required representations from each Consultant used by Ascend; and (ii) a detailed written record indicating all calls and meetings with Consultants, including the name of the Consultant, the name of the company discussed, and the names of the Ascend attendees on the call or at the meeting; |
3. | prepare and maintain internal records with respect to independent research vendors that include: (i) confirmation that all Consultants has made the required representations; and (ii) a detailed written record indicating all calls and meetings with Consultants, including the name of the Consultant, the name of the company discussed and the names of the Ascend attendees on the call or at the meeting; and |
4. | prepare and maintain an internal report indicating that all meetings with Consultants were pre-cleared by the CCO, or his or her designee. |
29 |
Ascend Capital, LLC |
Code of Ethics and Conduct |
EXHIBIT A
[LETTERHEAD OF SERVICE PROVIDER]
[DATE]
Ascend Capital LLC
4 Orinda Way, Suite 200-C
Orinda, CA 94563
Dear Sir or Madam:
[NAME OF SERVICE PROVIDER] (“ we ” or “ the firm ”) is a service provider of Ascend Capital LLC (“ Ascend ”). [The services provided by the firm to Ascend include, without limitation, providing research, analysis and/or recommendations regarding issuers in which Ascend, or the customer accounts and investment funds managed by Ascend and its affiliates, are invested or may in the future invest.] Ascend has requested that we provide it with certain representations and undertakings regarding the firm’s insider trading practices and procedures. Accordingly, we hereby represent, warrant and agree as follows:
1. The firm has adopted policies and procedures designed to ensure that the firm and its personnel do not violate any federal, state or foreign securities laws involving material non-public information (“ Inside Information ”) of issuers whose securities are traded on any U.S. or non-U.S. securities market(s). Among other things, such policies and procedures prohibit: (a) the disclosure by the firm and its personnel of any Inside Information in the firm’s or its personnel’s possession to third parties, such as Ascend; and (b) the use by the firm and its personnel of Inside Information in connection with providing services to customers of the firm, such as Ascend. We will at all times comply with such policies and procedures.
2. The firm and its personnel have not, and will not in the future, utilize and/or rely upon any Inside Information in connection with providing services to Ascend.
3. The firm and its personnel have not, and will not in the future, communicate or otherwise provide any Inside Information to Ascend or any of its personnel.
We agree that if, at any time, the firm ceases to be in compliance with any agreement contained in this letter, or if any representation or warranty contained in this letter ceases to be true, we shall notify Ascend immediately.
Sincerely,
[NAME]
[TITLE]
30 |
Ascend Capital, LLC |
Code of Ethics and Conduct |
Schedule I
Supervised Persons
1
Current Supervised Persons that are subject to the Code:
Adrian Barnes
Carlo Casulo
J. Cogan
Sean Dunne
Kimberly Evers
Emily Fairbairn
Malcolm P. Fairbairn
Rebecca Frick
Peter Friedland
Rahul Gandhi
Rachael Guinto
Benjamin Hejna
Yedda Ho
Michael Hughes
Paul Jones
Scott L. Kintz
Louis Krasenics
Darby Kroyer
Shane McCarty
Michael Napolitana
David Newhall
Nick Nguyen
Christopher Pierce
Tomas Pieter
Rebecca Pinckney
Roshan Raman
Dirk Renick
Jessica Rubbicco
Megan Sevcik
Ramona Shenoy
Jaime Simon
Benjamin D. Slavet
Stephanie Stephan
Joshua Wyss
Gina Yacoub
Orlin Zhekov
1 Updated as of May 15, 2015.
31 |
Exhibit 99.(p).(4)
CODE OF ETHICS (PERSONAL TRADING) & INSIDER TRADING
code of ethics - PERSONAL TRADING BY BRIGADE CAPITAL AND ITS PERSONNEL
(1) | Introduction |
High ethical standards are essential for the success of Brigade Capital to maintain the confidence of its Advisory Clients. Brigade Capital’s long-term business interests are best served by adherence to the principle that its Advisory Clients’ interests come first. Brigade Capital has a fiduciary duty to its Advisory Clients, which requires individuals associated with Brigade Capital to act solely for the benefit of the Advisory Clients. Potential conflicts of interest may arise in connection with the personal trading activities of individuals associated with investment advisory firms. In recognition of Brigade Capital’s fiduciary obligations to the Advisory Clients and Brigade Capital’s desire to maintain its high ethical standards, Brigade Capital has adopted this Code of Ethics which it reasonably believes complies with the requirements of Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and the Access Person reporting and preclearance requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act, containing provisions designed to: (i) prevent improper personal trading by Access Persons; (ii) prevent improper use of confidential and material, non-public information about securities recommendations made by Brigade Capital or securities holdings of the Advisory Clients; (iii) identify conflicts of interest; and (iv) provide a means to resolve any actual or potential conflict in favor of the Advisory Client.
Brigade Capital’s goal is to allow its Access Persons to engage in certain, limited personal securities transactions while protecting Brigade Capital, its Advisory Clients and its Access Persons from the conflicts that could result from a violation of the securities laws or from real or apparent conflicts of interest. While it is impossible to define all situations that might pose such a risk, this Code of Ethics is designed to address those circumstances where such risks are likely to arise. It is the personal responsibility of every employee to avoid any conduct that could create a conflict, or even the appearance of a conflict, with the Advisory Clients, or do anything which could damage or erode the trust the Advisory Clients place on Brigade Capital and its employees.
Adherence to the Code of Ethics and the related restrictions on personal investing is considered a basic condition of employment for employees and Access Persons of Brigade Capital. If there is any doubt as to the propriety of any activity, employees should consult with the Chief Compliance Officer or his designee. The Chief Compliance Officer is charged with the administration and distribution of this Code of Ethics, has general compliance responsibility for Brigade Capital, and may offer guidance on securities laws and acceptable practices, as the same may change from time to time. The Chief Compliance Officer may rely upon the advice of outside legal counsel or outside compliance consultants.
The Chief Compliance Officer will make the final decision regarding applicability of the Code of Ethics to interns on a case-by-case basis. As a general matter, interns will be considered “Access Persons” for purposes of the Code of Ethics.
Access Persons must acknowledge receipt and understanding of this Code of Ethics on an annual basis. A form of acknowledgement is provided at Form 1 . Such form will generally be completed via ComplianceELF.
(2) | Applicability of Code of Ethics |
(a) | Personal Accounts of Access Persons . This Code of Ethics applies to all Personal Accounts of all Access Persons where “Permissible Securities” (as defined in Section 3(d) of this Code of Ethics below) are held and includes any account in which an Access Person has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership. A Personal Account also includes an account maintained by or for: |
· | An Access Person's spouse (other than a legally separated or divorced spouse of the Access Person), domestic partner and minor children; |
· | Any individuals who live in the Access Person's household and over whose purchases, sales, or other trading activities the Access Person exercises control or investment discretion; |
· | Any persons to whom the Access Person provides primary financial support, and either (i) whose financial affairs the Access Person controls, or (ii) for whom the Access Person provides discretionary advisory services; |
· | Any trust or other arrangement which names the Access Person as a beneficiary or remainderman; and |
· | Any partnership, corporation, or other entity of which the Access Person is a director, officer or general partner or in which the Access Person has a 25% or greater beneficial interest, or in which the Access Person owns a controlling interest or exercises effective control; provided, however, that the accounts of the Advisory Clients managed by Brigade Capital are not deemed to be Personal Accounts of an Access Person. |
Upon becoming an Access Person, the Access Person must disclose all Personal Accounts to Brigade Capital’s Chief Compliance Officer through ComplianceELF.
(a) | Access Person as Trustee . A Personal Account does not include any account for which an Access Person serves as trustee of a trust for the benefit of (i) a person to whom the Access Person does not provide primary financial support, or (ii) an independent third party. |
(b) | Personal Accounts of Other Access Persons . A Personal Account of an Access Person that is managed by another Access Person is considered to be a Personal Account only of the Access Person who has a Beneficial Ownership in the Personal Account. The account is considered to be a client account with respect to the Access Person managing the Personal Account. |
(c) | Solicitors/Consultants . Non-employee Solicitors or consultants are not subject to this Code of Ethics unless the relevant Solicitor or consultant, as part of his/her duties on behalf of Brigade Capital, (i) makes or participates in the making of investment recommendations for the Advisory Clients, or (ii) obtains information on recommended investments for the Advisory Clients. |
(d) | Client Accounts . A client account includes any account managed by Brigade Capital which is not a Personal Account. |
(3) | Restrictions on Personal Investing Activities |
(a) | General : It is the responsibility of each Access Person to ensure that a particular securities transaction being considered for his/her Personal Account is not subject to a restriction contained in this Code of Ethics or otherwise prohibited by any applicable laws. Personal securities transactions for Access Persons may be effected only in accordance with the provisions of this Code of Ethics. It should be noted that the Chief Compliance Officer may grant exceptions to certain of the trading restrictions described in this Code of Ethics. Such exceptions will be documented and only be permitted if there is no material conflict of interest with the Advisory Clients. |
(b) | Restriction on Excessive Trading . Access Persons shall not engage in “day trading” or any type of “excessive” trading that would be contrary to the best interests of Brigade Capital’s Advisory Clients and Investors. For these purposes, Access Persons shall not engage in more than 30 transactions [1] (i.e., buys and sells) across all of his/her Personal Accounts during a particular calendar quarter. Such trading restriction is subject to limited exceptions for extenuating circumstances (e.g., financial hardship), as determined in the sole discretion of the Chief Compliance Officer and the Managing Member. All trading is subject to the review of the Chief Compliance Officer or his designee on at least a quarterly basis. |
(c) | Prohibition of Trading with or against Advisory Clients : It should be noted that the Chief Compliance Officer does not generally intend to permit Access Persons to execute transactions in the types of securities that the Advisory Clients typically invest in. The Advisory Clients typically hold securities |
1 | This does not limit the number of lots in which a transaction can be executed. |
of domestic and international leveraged companies, debt or debt-like obligations rated below investment grade by one or more of the major rating agencies, or securities trading at yields comparable to the high yield market and high yield issuers. It should be noted, however, that Access Persons may be permitted to invest in exchange-traded or open-ended funds that invest in the debt markets, subject to the pre-clearance requirements described in Paragraph (f) below. |
(d) | General Permissible Securities Transactions (“Permissible Securities”) : Access Persons will generally be permitted to engage in certain, limited personal securities transactions (certain of which require pre-clearance) in the following Permissible Securities: |
I. | Permissible Securities that Do Not Require Pre-Clearance : |
(i) | Direct obligations of the Government of the United States; |
(ii) | Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements; |
(iii) | Shares issued by money market funds; |
(iv) | Shares issued by open-end funds that are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, provided that such funds are NOT registered funds managed by Brigade Capital or registered funds whose adviser or principal underwriter controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, Brigade Capital; and |
(v) | Shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more registered open-end funds; provided that such funds are NOT advised by Brigade Capital or an affiliate and such fund’s adviser or principal underwriter is not controlled by or under common control with Brigade Capital. |
II. | Permissible Securities that Require Pre-Clearance (“Reportable Securities”): |
(i) | Shares issued by closed-end funds that are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; |
(ii) | Shares issued by open-end funds that are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, IF they are managed by Brigade Capital, or their adviser or principal underwriter controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, Brigade Capital; |
(iii) | Shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more registered open-end funds, IF such funds are advised by Brigade Capital or an affiliate, or such fund’s adviser or principal underwriter is controlled by or under common control with Brigade Capital; |
(iv) | Shares issued by exchange traded funds or “ETFs”; |
(v) | Securities of business development companies or “BDCs”; |
(vi) | Securities of Real Estate Investment Trusts or "REITs"; |
(vii) | Non-distressed municipal bonds; |
(viii) | Securities in limited offerings (which include investments in hedge funds, private equity funds and the Advisory Clients); |
(ix) | Options on Permissible Securities except for Legacy Positions (as defined below); and |
(x) | Legacy Positions* (as defined below). |
*Legacy Positions : In the event that an Access Person already owns a security (a “Legacy Position”) that does not fall under the other categories of the Permissible Securities (as detailed above), the Access Person may not add to such Legacy Position, but may only close out or cover such securities, subject to the pre-clearance and reporting requirements and other restrictions that are applicable to Reportable Securities.
(e) | Holdings List, Restricted List and Watch List : Each Access Person is strictly prohibited from trading in the securities of issuers that are included on the Holdings List, Restricted List and Watch List. Issuers on the Holdings List include the issuers of securities that the Advisory Clients have held in the past seven (7) calendar days and the issuers of securities that the Advisory Clients currently hold. Issuers on the Restricted List include the issuers of securities about which Brigade Capital has come into contact with material non-public or certain confidential information. Issuers on the Watch List generally include open orders on Brigade’s allocation blotter that are not already on the Holdings List. It should be noted that the Chief Compliance Officer has the discretion to add any other issuers to the Holdings List, Restricted List and Watch List as he deems appropriate. The Holdings List, Restricted List and Watch List are available on Brigade’s intranet and ComplianceELF, where they are updated on a weekly basis. In the event that an Access Person owns a security prior to the issuer of such security being added to the Holdings List, or the Watch List, Access Persons are not allowed to add to the position; however, they may close out or cover such securities as long as the Advisory Clients have not traded in such securities or plan to trade in such securities within seven (7) calendar days and all other personal trading requirements have been met. To the extent that an Access Person owns a security of an issuer prior to that issuer being added to the Restricted List, the Access Person may not conduct transactions in such security until the issuer is no longer on the Restricted List. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, such trading prohibitions shall not apply to:
(i) | Permissible Securities that do not require pre-clearance (as listed above in Section 3(d)(I) ) of the same or affiliated issuer that the Advisory Clients held in the past seven (7) calendar days, currently hold or intend on holding; and |
(ii) | securities issued by a subsidiary of an issuer that the Advisory Clients held in the past seven (7) calendar days, currently hold or intend on holding, although the Chief Compliance Officer still retains the authority to deny any such pre-clearance requests if believed to be in the best interests of Advisory Clients. |
For Example:
· | JPMorgan Chase & Co. (ticker: JPM) is put on the Holdings List; however, an Access Person may be permitted to trade an open-ended mutual fund (i.e., a Permissible Security that does not require pre-clearance) managed or sponsored by JPM and/or its affiliate; |
· | The Blackstone Group L.P. (ticker: BX) is put on the Watch List; however, an Access Person may be permitted to trade Permissible Securities issued by investment funds managed or sponsored by BX and/or its affiliate; and |
· | Johnson & Johnson (ticker: JNJ) is put on a Restricted List; however, an Access Person may be permitted to trade Permissible Securities issued by Merck & Co. Inc . (ticker: MRK), one of its many subsidiaries. |
As detailed below, all security transactions in Reportable Securities (as defined above in Section 3(d)(II) ) are subject to pre-clearance requirements and other restrictions described below.
(f) | Pre-clearance of Transactions in Personal Account : Prior to trading a Reportable Security (as defined above in Section 3(d)(II) ), an Access Person must obtain the prior written approval of a combination of two of the “Authorized Approvers,” as follows: (1) the Chief Compliance Officer OR (2) a Deputy Compliance Officer OR (3) Steven Vincent OR (4) Raymond Luis AND the Managing Member (or his designee). It should be noted that this includes, but is not limited to, investments in limited offerings (which include private or restricted offerings). An Authorized Approver submitting his/her |
own pre-clearance request must obtain such pre-approval from alternate Authorized Approvers. For the avoidance of doubt, an Authorized Approver may not pre-clear his/her own personal transactions. |
Requests for pre-clearance generally must be submitted via ComplianceELF. Any approval given under this paragraph will remain in effect for 24 business day hours , except for pre-approvals given for transactions in limited offerings, which may be in effect for a longer period. A sample pre-clearance form is attached as Form 11.
(g) | Holding Period : To the extent that an Access Person was granted approval to purchase a particular Reportable Security, such Access Person must generally hold the Reportable Security for 60 days before selling such Reportable Security, subject to the approval of two of the Authorized Approvers. However, it should be noted that, from time to time, certain exceptions to the 60 day holding period may be granted for Access Persons by the Chief Compliance Officer and the Managing Member. Prior to granting an exception, the Chief Compliance Officer will review the trade to determine whether it presents a conflict of interest for any Advisory Client and will deny the application if a conflict of interest is present. The conflict of interest review and exceptions will be documented by the Chief Compliance Officer or his designee. |
(h) | Short Sales : An Access Person shall not engage in any short sale of a security if, at the time of the transaction, any Advisory Client account managed by Brigade Capital has a long position in such security. |
(4) | Reporting Requirements |
(a) | All Access Persons are required to submit to the Chief Compliance Officer (subject to the applicable provisions of Section 5 below ) the following reports via ComplianceELF: |
(i) | Initial Holdings Report – Access Persons are required to provide the Chief Compliance Officer with an Initial Holdings Report via ComplianceELF within 10 days of the date that such person became an Access Person that includes the following information: |
(1) | All of the Access Person’s current securities holdings with the following content for each Reportable Security (as defined above in Section 3(d)(II) ) that the Access Person has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership. |
· | title and type of Reportable Security; |
· | ticker symbol or CUSIP number (as applicable); |
· | number of shares; and |
· | principal amount of each Reportable Security. |
(2) | The name of any broker, dealer or bank with which the Access Person maintains an account in which any Reportable Securities are held. |
Information contained in Initial Holding Reports must be current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date the person becomes an Access Person of Brigade Capital. The report must be dated the day the Access Person submits it. Access Persons generally must submit their Initial Holdings Reports via ComplianceELF. A sample form of Initial Holdings Report is also included as Form 12.
(ii) | Annual Holdings Report – Subject to the applicable provisions of Section 5 below , Access Persons must also provide at least one Annual Holdings Report of all current Reportable Securities holdings during each 12 month period (the “Annual Holdings Certification Date”). For purposes of this Code of Ethics, the Annual Holdings Certification Date is October 31. From a content perspective, each such Annual Holdings Report must comply with the requirements of Section 4(a)(i)-(iii) above . Access Persons generally must submit their Annual Holdings Reports via ComplianceELF. A sample form of the Annual Holdings Report is also included as Form 13. |
(iii) | Quarterly Transaction Reports – Subject to the applicable provisions of Section 5 below, Access Persons must also provide quarterly securities transaction reports for each transaction in a Reportable Security (as defined above in Section 3(d)(II) ) that the Access Person has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership of (each a “Quarterly Transaction Report”). Such Quarterly Transaction Reports must meet the following requirements: |
(1) | Content Requirements – Quarterly Transaction Reports must include: |
· | date of transaction; |
· | title of Reportable Security; |
· | ticker symbol or CUSIP number of Reportable Security (as applicable); |
· | interest rate or maturity rate (if applicable); |
· | number of shares; |
· | principal amount of Reportable Security; |
· | nature of transaction (i.e., purchase or sale); |
· | price of Reportable Security at which the transaction was effected; |
· | name of broker, dealer or bank through which the transaction was effected; and |
· | date upon which the Access Person submitted the report. |
(2) | Timing Requirements – Subject to Section 5(c) , Access Persons must submit a Quarterly Transaction Report no later than the next month end after the end of each quarter. |
(3) | The Quarterly Transaction Reports requirement generally will be fulfilled by employees attesting to the accuracy of the past quarter’s transactions set forth in their ComplianceELF accounts. A sample form of Quarterly Transaction Report is also included as Form 14 . |
(iv) | “Non-Discretionary” Personal Accounts/Personal Accounts Managed by a Third Party : |
(1) | As explained below in Section 5 , the reporting and pre-clearance requirements do not apply to any transaction executed, or holding maintained in Personal Accounts over which an Access Person has no direct or any influence or control (i.e., the Access Person has delegated investment discretion over such account to a third party) (a “Non-Discretionary/Managed Account”). However, Access Persons with Non-Discretionary/Managed Accounts will be required to provide the Chief Compliance Officer with the following information: |
· | A notification via ComplianceELF within 10 days of opening a Non-Discretionary/Managed Account. A sample form of Non-Discretionary/Managed Accounts Notification Form is included as Form 16 ; |
· | An initial attestation from the broker for the Non-Discretionary/Managed Account within 30 days of the date the account is opened. In addition, Access Persons must obtain this attestation for all Non-Discretionary/Managed Accounts in existence as of the date of this Manual. A form of attestation is included as Form 15 ; |
· | An annual confirmation from the broker via negative consent that the Access Person has no direct influence or control over the relevant accounts. The Chief Compliance Officer or his designee will send the initial version of the certification to the broker and if there are no changes, no response will be required; and |
· | An annual attestation to be completed via ComplianceELF for any Non-Discretionary/Managed Account. A sample form of Non-Discretionary/Managed Accounts Disclosure Form is included as Form 17 . |
(5) | Exceptions from Reporting Requirements/Alternative to Quarterly Transaction Reports |
This Section 5 sets forth exceptions from the reporting requirements of this Code of Ethics. All other requirements will continue to apply to any holding or transaction exempted from reporting pursuant to this Section 5 . Accordingly, the following transactions will be exempt only from the reporting requirements:
(a) | No Initial, Annual or Quarterly Transaction Report is required to be filed by an Access Person with respect to securities held in any Personal Account over which the Access Person has (or had) no direct or indirect influence or control. However, Access Persons must provide certain details and complete the applicable forms related to such Non-Discretionary/Managed Account(s), as explained in Section 4(iv)(1) above; |
(b) | Quarterly Transaction Reports are not required to be submitted with respect to any transactions effected pursuant to an automatic investment plan (although holdings need to be included on Initial and Annual Holdings Reports); |
(c) | Quarterly Transaction Reports are not required if the report would duplicate information contained in broker trade confirm or account statements that an Access Person has already provided to the Chief Compliance Officer (including, for the avoidance of doubt, information in the Access Person’s ComplianceELF account); provided, that such broker trade confirm or account statements are provided to the Chief Compliance Officer within 30 days of the end of the applicable calendar quarter. This paragraph has no effect on an Access Person’s responsibility related to the submission of Initial and Annual Holdings Reports. |
Access Persons that would like to avail themselves of this exception in Section 5(c) should ensure that the content of such broker confirms or account statements meet the content required for Quarterly Transaction Review Reports set forth above in Section 4(a)(iv) under the heading “Quarterly Transaction Reports.”
(6) | Protection of Confidential Information About Securities / Investment Recommendations |
In addition to other provisions of this Code of Ethics and Brigade Capital’s Manual (including the Insider Trading Procedures which are detailed in this Manual), Access Persons should note that Brigade Capital has a duty to safeguard confidential information (including material, non-public information) about securities/investment recommendations provided to (or made on behalf of) Advisory Clients. As such, Access Persons should not share such information outside of Brigade Capital. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Access Persons and Brigade Capital may provide such information to persons or entities providing services to Brigade Capital or its Advisory Clients, where such information is required to effectively provide the services in question. Examples of such service providers are:
· | brokers; |
· | accountants or accounting support service firms; |
· | custodians; |
· | transfer agents; |
· | bankers; |
· | compliance consultants; and |
· | lawyers. |
If there are any questions about the sharing of confidential information related to securities/investment recommendations made by Brigade Capital, please see the Chief Compliance Officer.
(7) | Oversight of Code of Ethics |
(a) | Reporting. Any situation that may involve a conflict of interest or other possible violation of this Code of Ethics must be promptly reported to the Chief Compliance Officer who must report it to the executive management of Brigade Capital. |
(b) | Review of Transactions. Each Access Person's transactions in his/her Personal Accounts will be reviewed on a regular basis and compared to transactions entered into by Brigade Capital for its |
Advisory Clients. Any transactions that are believed to be a violation of this Code of Ethics will be reported promptly to the Chief Compliance Officer who must report them to the executive management of Brigade Capital. Any noted violations shall be properly documented for Brigade Capital’s compliance files. |
(c) | Sanctions. The executive management of Brigade Capital, with advice of outside legal counsel, at its discretion, shall consider reports made to the management and upon determining that a violation of this Code of Ethics has occurred, may impose such sanctions or remedial action the management deems appropriate or to the extent required by law (as may be advised by outside legal counsel or other advisors). These sanctions may include, among other things, disgorgement of profits, fines, suspension or termination of employment with Brigade Capital, or criminal or civil penalties. |
(8) | Compliance with Federal Securities Law |
All employees are required to comply with applicable Federal Securities Laws. Failure to adhere to Federal Securities Laws could expose an employee to sanctions imposed by Brigade Capital, the SEC or law enforcement officials. These sanctions may include, among others, disgorgement of profits, suspension or termination of employment by Brigade Capital, or criminal or civil penalties. If there is any doubt as to whether a Federal Securities Law applies, employees should consult the Chief Compliance Officer.
(9) | Confidentiality |
All reports of securities transactions and any other information filed pursuant to this Code of Ethics shall be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
Exhibit 99.(p).(13)
BNP PARIBAS
INVESTMENT
PARTNERS
USA
CODE OF ETHICS
June 2014
Covering
BNP PARIBAS INVESTMENT PARTNERS USA HOLDINGS INC.
FISCHER FRANCIS TREES & WATTS, INC.
BNP PARIBAS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
CONTENTS
A. | CODE OF ETHICS | 3 |
I. | INTRODUCTION | 3 |
II. | DEFINITIONS | 4 |
III. | CONFLICTS OF INTEREST | 6 |
IV. | CONFIDENTIALITY | 7 |
V. | POLICIES GOVERNING BUSINESS ETHICS AND POSSIBLE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST | 8 |
VI. | STANDARDS OF CONDUCT AND REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO PERSONAL ACCOUNT DEALING | 12 |
VII. | RESPONSIBILITY FOR ADMINISTRATION OF THE CODE | 17 |
VIII. | RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS | 17 |
IX. | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS | 18 |
X. | OVERVIEW OF PERSONAL TRADING REQUIREMENTS | 21 |
B. | CONTINUING EDUCATION AND TRAINING | 23 |
2 |
A. CODE OF ETHICS
I. | INTRODUCTION |
This Code of Ethics (the “Code”) sets forth the policies and procedures of BNP Paribas Investment Partners USA (“BNPP IP”), and BNPP IP’s affiliated companies in the US 1 (each of BNPP IP and its affiliated companies, a “Firm” and collectively, the “Firms”) regarding business ethics, confidentiality and personal account dealing. The conduct of any Covered Person (as defined below) both inside and outside a Firm must recognize that the Firm’s clients always come first and that such individual must avoid any abuse of his or her position of trust and responsibility. Each Covered Person is expected to adhere to the highest standards of professional, legal and ethical conduct and must avoid any situation that may give rise to an actual or potential conflict of interest, or the appearance of a conflict, with a client’s interests. Each Covered Person is required to comply with all applicable laws of the jurisdiction to which the Covered Person is subject, including but not limited to the Federal Securities Laws.
BNPP IP’s reputation is one of its most important assets. Covered Persons must exercise reasonable care and professional judgment to avoid engaging in any actions that may put BNPP IP’s reputation and image at risk. Strict adherence to this Code and each Firm’s Advisers Act of 1940 Policies and Procedures is crucial to the continuing success and profitability of BNPP IP. 2 Violations of this Code and of a Firm’s Advisers Act of 1940 Policies and Procedures may subject an employee to civil and criminal liabilities, penalties or fines, imprisonment, legal prohibition against further employment in the securities industry and internal disciplinary actions, including dismissal from employment for cause. In the event of dismissal for cause, an employee may lose certain benefits from BNPP IP, the relevant Firm(s) and/or under applicable unemployment insurance laws. The relevant Firm(s) will investigate any matter for which the facts suggest that the Code may have been violated.
This Code is adopted pursuant to Rule 204A-1 of the Advisers Act and Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act. Under this Code, each Covered Person is deemed an “access person” of each Firm.
Upon becoming a Covered Person, you are required to read and understand the policies and procedures contained in this Code of Ethics and physically or electronically sign the Initial Certificate of Compliance acknowledging that you have received, reviewed, understand and agree to be bound by the Code. Thereafter, on an annual basis all Covered Persons are required to certify their compliance with the provisions of the Code.
The automated Star Compliance (“Star”) system provides Covered Persons the ability to submit on-line pre- approval forms which follow a workflow through programmed rule sets and, when applicable, notify appropriate supervisors and compliance personnel. Compliance has built these rule sets within Star to administer the processes described in this Code. Star also allows Compliance Officers the ability to more efficiently monitor Covered Person’s trading and other activity through its automated surveillance function. Specific information relating to Star’s functionality may be found in the application’s Welcome Page under My Document Library.
All questions concerning the interpretation or application of the policies and procedures set forth in this Code and Star should be addressed to the Chief Compliance Officer or her delegees. All Covered Persons are
1 United States affiliates of BNPP IP currently include BNP Paribas Investment Partners USA Holdings Inc., Fischer Francis Trees & Watts, Inc. (“FFTW”) and BNP Paribas Asset Management, Inc. (“BNP PAM”), (together, the “BNP Paribas Investment Partners Group USA”).
2 The requirements of this Code are in addition to those set out in each Firm’s other policies and procedures, including but not limited to each relevant Firm’s Advisers Act of 1940 Policies and Procedures, which Covered Persons are also required to read and comply with.
3 |
encouraged to seek advice from the Compliance Department with respect to any action or transaction which may violate this Code and to refrain from any action or transaction which might lead to the appearance of a violation. Upon commencement of employment, and on an annual basis thereafter, all employees are required to complete an on-line Initial and Annual Employee Disclosure Information Statement. At any point during employment, if an employee is or becomes the subject of an investigation, prosecution, or a conviction of any offense involving fraud or dishonesty, the employee must report this information immediately to a member of the Compliance Department.
II. | DEFINITIONS |
1. “ Beneficial Ownership ” is to be determined in the same manner as it is determined for purposes of Rule 16a1-(a)(2) under the 1934 Act (as defined below). This means that a person should generally consider himself or herself the beneficial owner of any securities, Derivatives or other financial instruments of which he or she shares in the profits, even if he or she has no influence on voting or disposition of the securities, Derivatives or other financial instruments. 3
2. “ BNP Paribas Securities ” include all securities, Derivatives or other financial instruments concerning directly or indirectly the capital of BNP Paribas (equities, bonds and in a general way any title or negotiable security including the financial derivative contracts or options whose underlying instrument is BNP Paribas) other than certificates of deposit.
3. A “ Conflict of Interest” or “Conflict ” is a situation where, in the framework of the activities of BNPP IP, the Interest of BNPP IP and/or of their clients and/or of their Covered Persons is in competition, either directly or indirectly. An “Interest” is a benefit of any nature, material or immaterial, professional, commercial, financial or personal.
4. “ Covered Person ” generally includes any director, officer, manager, employee or individual (including, without limitation, consultants, trainees, interns and temporary staff whose employment is expected to last for 6 months or more 4 ) having a function or role at any Firm. Please note that temporary staff or personnel with access to client portfolio holdings may be deemed Covered Persons at the discretion of the Chief Compliance Officer, regardless of expected length of temporary employment.
The term also includes an appointed representative of any Firm or any employee of an appointed representative. The term does not include the directors of any Firm who are not involved in the day-to-day activities of any Firm and who (i) do not have access to non-public information regarding (A) client securities transactions or (B) portfolio information regarding portfolio holdings of any SEC-registered funds or (ii) are not involved in making securities recommendations to clients, or do not have access to such recommendations when they are non-public. Accordingly, these directors are not “access persons” under Rule 204A-1 of the Advisers Act or “advisory persons” under Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act.
5. “ Derivative ” a financial instrument, the value of which is derived from the value of an underlying asset. The underlying asset could be a physical commodity, an interest rate, a share of common stock, a stock index, a currency, or virtually any other tradable instrument upon which two parties can agree. All futures products are Derivatives for the purposes of this Code, even if they are also regulated as securities.
3 Unless the Covered Person does not have any direct or indirect influence or control over the account in question, generally a Covered Person will be regarded as having beneficial ownership of securities held in his or her name, or in the name of any of the following persons: (1) his or her non-separated spouse or minor child; (2) a relative sharing the same house; (3) anyone else, if the Covered Person: (a) obtains benefits substantially equivalent to ownership of the securities; or (b) can obtain ownership of the securities immediately or at some future time. If anyone has questions regarding this policy concerning relatives of a Covered Person, he or she should discuss the situation with a member of the Compliance Department.
4 The Compliance Department has discretion to determine, on a case by case basis, whether a particular person should or should not be subject to this Code.
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6. “Discretionary Account” is a Reportable Account where the Covered Person has transferred all investment discretion to a third party. The Covered Person has no investment discretion over such account. A management agreement must be forwarded to Compliance for record keeping purposes.
7. “ Entertainment ” refers to reasonable and customary business entertainment, such as meals, drinks, parties and receptions, and sporting or cultural events (such as attendance at a game or performance, or a round of golf), where the actual or prospective client, counterparty or Supplier is present. Entertainment must not be so lavish or extraordinary as to call into question the motives of the donor and recipient or to cause embarrassment to BNPP IP if publicized. If the donor is not present at an event – for example, the donor gives a pair of tickets to a sporting event to a BNPP IP employee – then the tickets must be considered a Gift and not Entertainment.
8. “ Federal Securities Laws ” includes without limitation the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”); the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”); the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, as amended; the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”); the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”); Title IV of the Gramm-Leach Bliley Act, as amended; the Bank Secrecy Act as it applies to funds and investment advisers; and any rules adopted under any such act as well as any amendments thereto (collectively, “the Federal Securities Laws”).
9. “ Gift ” must be understood in its broadest meaning to include benefits, raffle prizes, amenities, donations of all types, in each case whether material or immaterial, given or received directly or indirectly (e.g., objects, financial products and services of all types, including, e.g., being designated as the beneficiary of a life insurance contract or bequest and being given access to other benefits), regardless of the cause.
10. “ Initial Public Offering” or “IPO ” means an offering of equity or debt securities registered under the 1933 Act, as amended, of an issuer not previously subject to reporting requirements.
11. “ Investment Personnel ” or “ Investment Person ” means any Covered Person who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of securities by a Firm, or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to purchases or sales of securities for Managed Accounts, as defined below, including without limitation portfolio managers, portfolio analysts, traders, portfolio constructors and credit analysts.
12. “ Limited Offering/Private Placement ” means an offering that is exempt from registration under the 1933 Act.
13. “ Managed Account ” means any account for which a Firm acts as an investment adviser or sub-adviser.
14. “Related Person” generally includes: (i) any family members who are financially dependent upon the Covered Person including, without limitation, non-separated spouse or partner, child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law; (ii) any family members residing in the same household as a Covered Person; and (iii) any individual over whose account a Covered Person has direct or indirect control.
15. “ Reportable Accounts ” includes any Covered Person’s account in which any security is held for the Covered Person’s direct or indirect benefit 5 . These include (i) any account in which the Covered Person has an interest or has the power, directly or indirectly, to make investment decisions; (ii) any account of the Covered Person’s non-separated spouse; (iii) any account of any child or parent of the employee, or the spouse of any such child or parent, if such child, spouse or parent resides in the same household with or is financially dependent on the employee; (iv) any account of any other person related to the employee by blood or marriage over whose account the employee has control; and (v) any account of any other person to whose financial support the employee contributes materially or over whose account the employee has control.
5 This includes any broker, dealer or bank account regardless if it only holds mutual funds, 401(k) plans, Heath Savings Accounts (HSAs), or other non-reportable securities.
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16. “Reportable Securities” include, but are not limited to securities held in a brokerage, derivatives or commodities account or accounts which include transactions requiring pre-approval. 6 A list of exempt transactions are listed on Page 14.
17. “ Supplier ” refers to any company or service provider associated with a process of selling goods or services to BNPP IP and, more generally, any counterparty of BNPP IP (other than a client). The term Supplier refers both to the legal entity and to any natural person representing, or tied to, the company or service provider.
18. “ Transactions ” are personal investment transactions in Reportable Securities, Derivatives or other financial instruments executed by a Covered Person, Related Person or third party in any account, including but not limited to Reportable Accounts, outside the context of such person’s professional function. Transactions also include any other acquisition or disposition of Beneficial Ownership in securities, Derivatives or other financial instruments (including, among other things, the writing of an option to purchase or sell a security or other financial instrument).
III. | CONFLICTS OF INTEREST |
A. Introduction. Managing Conflicts of Interest so as to avoid their existence or to prevent their abuse is essential for each Firm. Conflicts of Interest can be understood as the situation in which a Firm or Covered Person serving more than one interest can benefit by favoring one interest at the expense of others. There are essentially three types of Conflicts of Interest that a Firm may face:
· | Conflicts between BNPP IP and one or more clients; |
· | Conflicts between two or more clients; and |
· | Conflicts between a BNPP IP Covered Person and one or more clients. |
Conflicts of Interest may arise in the normal course of business, and there is nothing inherently improper if they do exist. What is essential is that a Covered Person recognize when a Conflict exists and that such Conflicts not be abused. As a general matter, an abuse of a Conflict of Interest occurs when a Firm or its Covered Persons takes advantage of a Conflict situation in violation of customary market practices, fiduciary responsibilities, or applicable laws and regulations. BNPP IP and its Covered Persons must manage Conflicts of Interest, either actual or potential, so as to not abuse a Conflict of Interest situation and to avoid violating obligations to clients and applicable laws and regulations. Depending on the relevant facts and circumstances, BNPP IP may mitigate actual or apparent Conflicts through internal controls, and/or the provision of disclosures to the affected parties.
B. | Managing Potential Trading Conflicts. |
No Favoritism . No Managed Account shall be unfairly favored with respect to the selection of securities, foreign exchange contracts or Derivatives, sale of securities, foreign exchange contracts or Derivatives, or timing of purchase or sale of securities, foreign exchange contracts or Derivatives over any other Managed Account.
Transactions with Other Managed Accounts . No securities, foreign exchange contracts or Derivatives shall be sold to or purchased from one Managed Account by another Managed Account, and no securities, foreign exchange contracts or Derivatives shall be sold to or purchased from any of the Firms by any Managed Account, unless approved by the Chief Compliance Officer or her delegee.
6 Direct mutual funds (except those sub-advised by the Firm) held with a mutual fund company rather than in a brokerage account are not reportable securities.
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Selection of Dealers . All securities, foreign exchange contracts or Derivatives purchased and sold for Managed Accounts shall be purchased from and sold to established securities dealers, which shall be selected in a manner consistent with seeking to obtain best execution of all securities, foreign exchange contracts or Derivatives transactions for each Managed Account. Covered Persons must comply with each Firm’s policies and procedures regarding soft dollar arrangements.
Block Purchases . As an adviser and a fiduciary to its clients, each Firm places its clients’ interests first and foremost. Consistent with this fiduciary duty, each Firm’s trading procedures seek to insure that all clients are treated fairly and equitably and that no client account is advantaged or disadvantaged over another. In furtherance of this policy, each Firm has adopted policies and procedures regarding trade aggregation and allocation. For information regarding a particular Firm’s policies and procedures regarding allocation of block purchases, please see that Firm’s Advisers Act of 1940 Policies and Procedures .
IV. | CONFIDENTIALITY |
Prohibition on Trading On the Basis of Confidential Information . Confidential information is known by virtually every Covered Person. No confidential information should be used by any Covered Person 7 for any direct or indirect personal benefit during the term of such person’s relationship with BNPP IP or a Firm or after such relationship has ended. This restriction applies regardless of the source of such information and includes trading securities, foreign exchange contracts or Derivatives on the basis of such confidential information or advising others to trade on such basis.
When is Information “Confidential” ? In general, any information received from any source (whether in the course of employment or otherwise) that a Covered Person does not know to have been publicly disseminated should be assumed by such Covered Person to be non-public, confidential information. A Covered Person should not regard information as having been “publicly disseminated” unless he or she can point to some fact or event demonstrating that the information is generally available; for example, disclosure of the information in a press release, in daily newspapers or in public disclosure documents such as prospectuses or annual reports. If a Covered Person is unclear whether information is confidential, he or she must consult the Chief Compliance Officer or delegee.
Confidential information may be related to BNPP IP, a Firm, its clients, its employees or other business or governmental entities. Examples of confidential information include, but are not limited to, information concerning the securities, foreign exchange contracts or Derivatives transactions of a client or of any Firm before they are executed, investment guidelines and policies of clients that are not publicly known, or the operations or condition of any client.
Procedures Regarding Confidential Information . Confidential information must never be disclosed to any outsider (including any relative of a Covered Person) unless the recipient has a legitimate business need to receive the information. Any questions about whether it is appropriate to share confidential information with a third party should be directed to the Compliance Department. . Caution is to be taken against making even casual remarks which might disclose information of a confidential nature or allow the appearance of such disclosure. This applies not only during work and in public places but also at home and in all outside social contacts. Care should be exercised in discussing confidential matters in elevators, at restaurants or in other places where outsiders may be present or where outsiders could obtain confidential information they should not have. Unnecessary copying of confidential documents should be avoided and documents containing confidential information should be securely maintained and should not be displayed in elevators or left in conference rooms, on desks, or in other locations where they may be seen by
7 These Confidentiality procedures apply equally to Covered Persons and their Related Persons as well as any other third party to which any confidential information has been disclosed.
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outsiders or by unauthorized personnel. Extra copies of documents containing confidential information that are no longer necessary should be promptly destroyed.
Covered Persons are also subject to and must comply with applicable insider trading policies and procedures, which are included in the Advisers Act of 1940 Policies & Procedures and supplement this Code. Inside information is information which is considered to be both “material” and “non-public.” Insider trading is a crime and the penalties for violating the law include imprisonment, disgorgement of profits and civil and criminal fines. Insider trading could result in serious sanctions by the Firm, including dismissal from employment. Employees are prohibited from using any confidential information for any direct or indirect personal benefit during the term of employment and after such relationship has ended. This restriction applies regardless of the source of such information and includes trading securities on the basis of such confidential information or advising others to trade on such a basis.
Trade Secrets . All computer programs, investment methods and techniques, trade secrets and other confidential information developed, created or obtained by or with the assistance of any Covered Person during his or her relationship with BNPP IP or a Firm is the property of BNPP IP or the Firm and no Covered Person has or may exercise any ownership or other rights or interest in any such property or information. A Covered Person may not use any trade secrets, property or confidential information during the course of any future employment. Upon termination of a Covered Person’s relationship with BNPP IP or a Firm, such Covered Person should return to BNPP IP and the Firm all confidential information and trade secrets he or she may have obtained as a result of the Covered Person’s relationship with BNPP IP or the Firm.
V. | POLICIES GOVERNING BUSINESS ETHICS AND POSSIBLE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST |
The purpose of these policies is to ensure that the interest of each Firm’s clients, and those of each Firm and BNPP IP in general, come before what might, in any circumstances, be construed as a Covered Person’s own individual interest or benefit. 8
Conflicts of Interest, the potential for Conflicts, or even the appearance of such Conflicts are to be avoided. A Covered Person’s decisions about the best interests of the clients should not be compromised or appear to be compromised by his or her investments or other economic or personal interests. Questions of proper business ethics and Conflicts of Interest are often difficult to discern and to resolve. If there is any question regarding what constitutes a Conflict of Interest, a Covered Person should consult a senior officer of the relevant Firm or the Compliance Department for an interpretation of a situation before he or she acts.
Outside Activity . Covered Persons are encouraged to engage in worthy activities for their community or personal development. Such activities, however, should not be allowed to impair the working efficiency or responsibilities of the individual. Covered Persons may from time to time be asked to serve as directors, advisors, employees or in other capacities of participation in other companies or organizations. Because such commitments can involve substantial responsibilities and potential Conflicts of Interest or the appearance of such Conflicts, Covered Persons should not accept such positions without the prior approval of the Compliance Department.
Covered Persons must seek pre-approval of such outside activities by submitting an Outside Activity declaration to the Compliance Department through the online Star system. Covered Persons must also amend their declaration upon any changes to or terminations of the Outside Activity. (Each newly employed Covered Person must seek pre-approval from Compliance upon commencement of his or her employment to continue such Outside Activity.)
8 In certain circumstances it may be necessary to disclose the existence of the Conflict to the relevant client.
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Personal Finance . In addition to the specific limitations regarding personal account dealing (see the following Article VI), unless otherwise approved in advance by the Chief Compliance Officer, or delegee, Covered Persons are prohibited (other than by ownership of publicly traded securities) from having a direct or indirect interest or investment in any dealer, broker or other current or prospective supplier of goods or services from which the Covered Person might materially benefit or appear to benefit as a consequence of BNPP IP or any Firm’s activities with the entity. If there is any question, a Covered Person should consult a member of the Compliance Department for an interpretation of a situation before he or she acts.
Generally, Covered Persons are expected to conduct their personal finances and investments in a prudent manner. In the event that a Covered Person is subject to more stringent standards or rules by virtue of professional licenses or otherwise, they must comply with those more stringent requirements.
Gifts and Entertainment .
A. Introduction. Among BNPP IP’s objectives are to best protect its clients’ interests and to manage Conflicts of Interest effectively. Accordingly, it is the duty of all Covered Persons in contact with actual or prospective clients, counterparties or Suppliers to adhere at all times to BNPP IP’s rules in this area.
B. Scope of Application. This Gifts and Entertainment Policy deals only with commercial relationships between, on the one hand, BNPP IP and its Covered Persons, and, on the other hand, its actual or prospective clients, counterparties, government representatives, or Suppliers (“Covered Relationships”).
NOTE: In general, the rules and guidelines with regard to accepting Gifts and Entertainment from Covered Relationships also apply to providing Gifts and Entertainment to Covered Relationships.
C. Policy. As a matter of policy, BNPP IP and its Covered Persons should not give or accept Gifts or other inducements where doing so is likely to conflict in a material way with any duty which a Firm owes to its clients. In order to ensure that such conflicts do not arise, the following Policy must be complied with when accepting or giving Gifts in the course of conducting business on behalf of a Firm. Covered Persons must comply with this Policy in good faith and may not use another person or means to circumvent this Policy.
1. Reasonable Gifts and Entertainment. It is strictly forbidden for any Covered Person to give either directly or indirectly a Gift to, or receive either directly or indirectly a Gift from, or give or accept Entertainment to or from an actual or prospective client, counterparty or Supplier that exceeds a “reasonable value.” For these purposes, “reasonable value” is defined as a value unlikely to compromise the independence of its recipient or his/her judgment, and unlikely to cast doubts on his/her integrity or to seem disproportionate to the business relationship in question (“Reasonable Gift or Entertainment”). As a general matter, a Gift valued at $100 or less would be considered a Reasonable Gift and need not be reported or approved absent circumstances to the contrary. Entertainment valued at $250 per person or less would be considered Reasonable Entertainment and need not be reported or approved absent circumstances to the contrary.
In the interest of clarity, all Gifts and Entertainment given or received between a Covered Person and a particular individual or entity during a quarter which individually are less than $100 (in the case of Gifts) or $250 (in the case of Entertainment) shall be aggregated for Gift and Entertainment Approval and Reporting purposes in determining the $100 Gift or $250 Entertainment thresholds. Lavish Gifts or Entertainment are not acceptable under any circumstances. In addition, there are stricter restrictions for certain government, central bank and pension plan officials . See Section V.F. below.
2. Gifts and Entertainment Approval and Reporting. In accordance with BNPP IP policy, a Covered Person cannot give or receive Gifts with a value in excess of $100, or Entertainment with a value in excess of $250 per person, without documented approval from the Covered Person’s supervisor or line manager. In the event that such a Gift or Entertainment is received, it must be immediately reported to the Covered Person’s supervisor or line manager. If the Covered Person’s supervisor, or line manager, as the case
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may be, believes the receipt of such Gift or Entertainment creates the appearance of conflict, the Gift must be returned or the Entertainment must be declined. In the event such a Gift or Entertainment is to be offered by the Covered Person, prior documented approval of the Covered Person’s supervisor or line manager must be received.
Also, in accordance with BNPP IP policy, a Covered Person cannot give or receive Gifts with a value in excess of $200, or Entertainment with a value in excess of $500 per person, without documented approval from the Compliance Department and the Covered Person’s supervisor or line manager. In the event that such a Gift or Entertainment is received, it must be immediately reported to the Compliance Department and the Covered Person’s supervisor or line manager. If the Compliance Department or the Covered Person’s supervisor, or line manager, as the case may be, believes the receipt of such Gift or Entertainment creates the appearance of conflict, then the Gift must be returned or the Entertainment declined. In the event such a Gift or Entertainment are to be offered by the Covered Person, prior documented approval of the Compliance Department and the Covered Person’s supervisor or line manager must be received.
NOTE: In the event that a Covered Person is subject to more stringent standards or rules relating to Gifts and Entertainment by virtue of professional licenses or otherwise (e.g., Registered Representatives), they must comply with those more stringent requirements.
D. Quarterly Reporting. All Gifts valued over $100 and Entertainment valued over $250 must be reported to the Compliance Department on a quarterly basis by completing the Gift and Entertainment form. All Gifts and Entertainment given or received between a Covered Person and a particular individual or entity during a quarter which individually are less than $100 (in the case of Gifts) or $250 (in the case of Entertainment) shall be aggregated for Gift and Entertainment Approval and Reporting purposes in determining the $100 Gift or $250 Entertainment thresholds. The Compliance Department shall maintain a register of all Gifts and Entertainment exceeding $100 in value.
E. Special Case: Events held by BNPP IP or the Business Line. Events or seminars held by BNPP IP (such as training seminars, due diligence visits, study trips or trips that include Entertainment) to provide information and/or training to Clients, or to promote BNPP IP’s image or services, are not included in this Entertainment Policy, as long as the following conditions are met:
Events or seminars of this type of should include working sessions on subjects linked directly to asset management and account for at least 50% of the program’s duration. This program, the corresponding budget and the expected guest list must be documented and approved by senior management, and a copy of the file and approval shall be forwarded to the Chief Compliance Officer.
Items given during an event or seminar held by BNPP IP are subject to the Gift Policy. Compliance is to be consulted for Gifts which may be purchased for Covered Relationship recipients for BNPP IP sponsored events. Special circumstances may exist for certain Covered Relationships which will need to be reviewed to ensure there is no regulatory impediment.
F. Gifts and Entertainment of Government Officials and Pension Plan Officials. Gifts to or from, or Entertainment of or by, government, central bank or pension plan officials (public and private plans) is not permitted without prior guidance from the Compliance Department. Compliance has the discretion to grant advanced permission to an employee who may entertain Central Bank employees as part of his or her regular job responsibilities. However such Entertainment must be reasonable (beverages, dinner, etc.) and the Entertainment monetary thresholds described above are to be followed.
The term “government official” is widely defined and includes, but is not limited to: politicians, government ministers, local authority officials, members of the tax authorities and the police or similar bodies. Particular care needs to be taken when abroad on business. Applicable legislation may prohibit making payments to foreign government and other officials. The prohibitions cover cash or cash equivalents and also cover direct
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and indirect payments, including making an offer and using agents or other third parties. Such payments are likely to be an offense both in the host country where the payment is made as well as the home country of the individual.
The term “pension plan official” also should be broadly interpreted and includes plan trustees, members of an employer’s investment committee, and other employees with any responsibility for the selection of investment managers or the investment of assets for the pension plan. If there is any doubt, contact the Compliance Department for guidance.
G. Political Contributions to State and Local Government Officials and Candidates. BNPP IP has adopted a policy governing political contributions for all employees (the “Political Contributions Policies and Procedures”).
Terms Defined. For purposes of the Political Contributions Policies and Procedures, the term “contribution” will generally include any gift, subscription, loan, advance, deposit of money, or anything of value contributed or paid to an elected official or candidate. A “governmental entity” includes all state and local governments, their agencies and instrumentalities, and all public pension plans and other collective government funds.
The Political Contributions Policies and Procedures covers contributions made by each employee and by the employee’s spouse, dependent children and dependent relatives, as well as any family member residing in the same household as such employee. Note that the Political Contributions Policies and Procedures also prohibit persons from doing indirectly what they are prohibited from doing directly.
Pre-Approval. Pursuant to the Political Contributions Policies and Procedures, all Covered Persons must obtain pre-approval by making an Outside Activity declaration to Compliance through Star before making any contribution or payment, directly or indirectly, to any state or local government official, candidate for state or local office, or any political party or political action committee, and before performing any politically motivated solicitation activities. This policy does not apply to contributions to officials or candidates for national office (the President, Vice-President, Senator, or Member of the House of Representatives), unless they also currently are a state or local government official or candidate. Further, Covered Persons are prohibited from making any contributions or other payments to any officials or candidates (local, state or national) on behalf of BNPP IP generally or any individual Firm . Volunteering time to a political candidate, party or action committee outside business hours is not considered a political contribution for purposes of these procedures. However, hosting events for a political candidate, party or action committee is considered a political contribution subject to the pre-clearance procedures described above.
Reporting. On a quarterly basis, all Covered Persons are required to affirmatively represent through Star that, except as approved in accordance with the previous paragraph, they have not made a political contribution, either on their own behalf or on behalf of BNPP IP or any individual Investment Partner, directly or indirectly, to any government official, candidate for state or local office, or any political party or political subdivision thereof, or to a political action committee in the prior quarter.
Foreign Nationals. The Federal Election Campaign Act (“FECA”) prohibits any foreign national from contributing, donating or spending funds in connection with any federal, state, or local election in the United States, either directly or indirectly. It is also unlawful to help foreign nationals violate that ban or to solicit, receive or accept contributions or donations from them. Persons who knowingly and willfully engage in these activities may be subject to fines and/or imprisonment.
H. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act . The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), enacted in 1977, generally prohibits the payment of bribes to foreign officials to assist in obtaining or retaining business. The FCPA can apply to prohibited conduct anywhere in the world and extends to publicly traded companies and their officers, directors, employees, stockholders, and agents. Agents can include third party agents, consultants, distributors, joint-venture partners, and others.
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The FCPA also requires issuers to maintain accurate books and records and have a system of internal controls sufficient to, among other things, provide reasonable assurances that transactions are executed and assets are accessed and accounted for in accordance with management's authorization.
The sanctions for FCPA violations can be significant. The SEC may bring civil enforcement actions against issuers and their officers, directors, employees, stockholders, and agents for violations of the anti-bribery or accounting provisions of the FCPA. Companies and individuals that have committed violations of the FCPA may have to disgorge their ill-gotten gains plus pay prejudgment interest and substantial civil penalties. Companies may also be subject to oversight by an independent consultant.
The SEC and the Department of Justice are jointly responsible for enforcing the FCPA. The SEC's Enforcement Division has created a specialized unit to further enhance its enforcement of the FCPA.
VI. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT AND REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO PERSONAL ACCOUNT DEALING
A. | Statement of Policy |
BNP Paribas encourages its Covered Persons to develop personal investment programs that are not speculative in nature and are not aimed at deriving short-term trading profits. It is the policy of BNPP IP in the US that all Covered Persons manage their personal account dealing activities in a manner that does not breach any US laws or regulatory requirements, does not distract them from their employment duties and is free from unacceptable business, ethical and reputational Conflicts of Interest.
The general principles governing personal account dealing are:
(a) | Covered Person’s personal accounts and investment activities must conform with all applicable laws, regulations and sound business practices; |
(b) | Consistent with BNPP IP’s fiduciary obligations to clients, the duty at all times to place the interests of clients first; and |
(c) | The requirement that all Transactions be conducted in accordance with this policy and in such a manner so as to avoid any actual or potential Conflict of Interest or any abuse of a Covered Person’s position of trust and responsibility. |
Each Firm will consider these principles when reviewing personal account dealing activities by Covered Persons and violations of these principles will be addressed in much the same manner as violations of the specific restrictions set forth in this Code.
B. | Scope. |
1. Persons. This personal account dealing policy applies to all United States based Covered Persons of BNPP IP (including, without limitation, consultants, trainees, interns and other temporary staff whose employment is expected to last for 6 months or more) and their Related Persons. 9 Please note that temporary staff or personnel with access to client portfolio holdings are deemed Covered Persons regardless of expected length of temporary employment.
Generally, all consultants, trainees, interns and other temporary staff whose employment is expected to last for less than 6 months, and who DO NOT have access to client portfolio holdings, may not enter into any
9 This Personal Account Dealing Policy applies equally to Covered Persons and their Related Persons. In certain instances, only Covered Persons will be referred to for the sake of simplicity.
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Transactions for which pre-approval is required during the duration of their tenure with BNPP IP (such persons will, however, be reviewed by Compliance on a case by case basis to determine whether they should be subject to this personal account dealing policy). Expatriate staff must comply with the personal account dealing rules for all their Reportable Accounts regardless of whether those Reportable Accounts are located in the territory or outside. The responsibility for monitoring Transactions of expatriate staff is assigned to the Compliance team of the territory where the expatriate staff has been seconded.
2. Reportable Accounts. This personal account dealing policy applies to all Reportable Accounts in the United States and foreign held accounts. Discretionary Accounts must be disclosed to the Compliance Department along with a copy of the management agreement; however, they are not subject to the pre-approval or reporting requirements of this personal account dealing policy found in Section VI. C. and H.
C. | Pre-Approval. |
1. Transactions. Covered Persons and Related Persons must obtain pre-approval through Star (or from the Compliance Department if Star is not available to you), pursuant to the procedures set forth below, before executing any Transactions, directly or indirectly, in any of the following types of securities, Derivatives or other financial instruments:
(i) | Fixed income securities; |
(ii) | Shares in listed and unlisted companies and futures and options on the same; |
(iii) | Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and closed-end funds; |
(iv) | Derivatives (including futures, index futures and index options); |
(v) | IPOs; |
(vi) | Limited Offerings/Private Placements (e.g., Private Equity, Venture Capital or Hedge Funds); |
(vii) | Funds managed by BNPP IP; |
(viii) | Commodities futures contracts; and |
(ix) | Forward currency contracts (and options on the same) |
There is no pre-approval or reporting (quarterly, annual or otherwise) required for participation (purchases) in BNP Paribas’ Discounted Share Purchase Plan (“DSPP”), but any sales are subject to pre-approval and reporting (quarterly, annual or otherwise). Any such sales should also be coordinated with Human Resources.
2. Procedure for Pre-approval. Each Transaction requiring pre-approval must be submitted to Star. Certain transactions for Investment Personnel are first routed to their manager for on-line approval. A proxy (e.g. your manager’s manager or a Compliance team member) may be used if your manager is unavailable to access Star due to business travel, personal time off, etc. E-mail approvals are accepted where a manager is unable to access Star. If a manager approval is received, the Covered Person is responsible for forwarding the approval to a member of the Compliance team for input into Star.
Covered Persons and their Related Persons may not execute a proposed Transaction, directly or indirectly, in any account until the pre-approval is received through Star. Any Transactions (other than Exempt Transactions) executed without prior approval will be in violation of this policy.
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Approvals remain in effect until the end of the first business day following the day on which the Covered Person’s approval was issued unless otherwise communicated by the Chief Compliance Officer or her delegee. The placement of a conditional order (e.g., sell stop order/GTC) is prohibited except for exempt transactions.
D. | Exempt Transactions. |
1. Defined. “Exempt Transactions” means Transactions in securities, Derivatives or other financial instruments that are NOT subject to the pre-approval requirements in Section VI. C. of the Code and include:
(i) | United States Government Treasury Securities, as well as any other Investment Grade Sovereign Debt; |
(ii) | bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit and time deposits, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments (less than 270 days), including repurchase agreements; |
(iii) | Open-end mutual funds (unless a Firm acts as the investment adviser, sub-advisor or principal underwriter for such fund) and unit investment trusts if the unit investment trust is invested exclusively in mutual funds (unless a Firm acts as the investment adviser, sub-advisor or principal underwriter for the trust); |
(iv) | Transactions in Discretionary Accounts and contributions to the same; |
(v) | Involuntary Transactions that result from a corporate action applicable to all similar security holders (such as splits, tender offers, mergers, stock dividends, etc.); and |
(vi) | Spot Currency Transactions. |
2. Reporting. As set forth in Section VI. H. of the Code, Exempt Transactions in Reportable Accounts are subject to reporting requirements.
E. | The Account Approval Process. |
Compliance maintains relationships with certain US broker-dealers who provide automated brokerage account transaction and account information to Compliance (“Approved Brokers”) 10 . Covered Persons’ brokerage accounts may be maintained only with Approved Brokers. To maintain an account with a firm other than an Approved Broker, specific approval must be obtained from Compliance which will only be granted on an exceptional basis. Such accounts are subject to additional reporting requirements including arranging for duplicate confirmations and statements to be provided to Compliance. All Covered Persons (and their Related Persons) are required to disclose to the Compliance Department any Reportable Accounts that they maintain whether within or outside of the United States.
1. New Accounts. All Covered Persons (on behalf of themselves and their Related Persons) are required to promptly input a new Reportable Account into Star prior to executing a trade in the account.
2. Discretionary Accounts. As explained above, Discretionary Accounts must be disclosed to the Compliance Department along with a copy of the management agreement.
10 Approved Brokers may change from time to time. As of May 2013, the Approved Brokers are: Chase Investment Services, Citi/Pershing, E*Trade, Fidelity, Interactive Broker, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney, Schwab, Scottrade, TD Ameritrade, T Rowe Price, Vanguard (automation expected in 2013) and Wells Fargo.
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F. | Restrictions. |
1. BNP Paribas Securities. In addition to the general rules described above, Transactions in BNP Paribas Securities are limited to authorized periods of six (6) weeks beginning on the day of and just after the publication of the BNP Paribas Group’s quarterly financial results. These restrictions shall apply to Transactions in all BNP Paribas Securities including those acquired within the framework of a Company Savings Plan or, directly or indirectly, as part of any type of additional remuneration.
2. Holding Period. All personal dealing Transactions are subject to a 30 day holding period. Covered Persons and Related Persons may not therefore enter into any opening position which is not capable of being held for at least 30 days and may not close out of a position within 30 days, unless specifically approved, in writing, by the Compliance Department. This requirement is waived for all Exempt Transactions, as well as single security options, single security futures, index futures, index options and short positions. In special circumstances, the holding period may be waived by the Compliance Department. Individual requests for a waiver of the holding period must be submitted to the Compliance Department in writing and will be granted only in cases where good cause is shown. The holding period applies to transactions in the same brokerage account and the holding period is calculated based on the First In First Out (FIFO) method.
3. Options and short selling . The short sale of BNP Paribas Securities, the buying of puts, the selling of calls or the trading of warrants or any other derivatives that are referenced to BNP Paribas Securities is strictly prohibited.
4. Confidential Information. Covered Persons and Related Persons are prohibited from trading on Confidential Information (including, but not limited to, inside information and proprietary information). Covered Persons and Related Persons are also prohibited from procuring another person to enter into a Transaction or from providing relevant information to another person, if it is likely that they will carry out a Transaction on the basis of that information.
NOTE: Covered Persons and Related Persons should also note that they are prohibited from carrying out any Transaction indirectly, if the direct Transaction would be prohibited by these rules.
G. | Violations of Personal Account Dealing Policy |
All Covered Persons must follow the policies contained herein with respect to trading in any account.
Failure to comply with these policies may result in:
§ | disciplinary action against the Covered Person including, without limitation, a warning, to suspension of trading privileges and/or termination of employment; |
§ | Transactions being reversed or profits disgorged; |
§ | disciplinary actions by a regulatory body including, without limitation, sanctions, suspensions, fines and/or prohibitions from working in the securities industry; and/or |
§ | prosecution by securities regulators for Insider Trading and/or other Federal Securities Laws violations. |
Transactions will be monitored by the Compliance Department to ensure compliance with the personal account dealing policy. Breaches of these rules and any disciplinary action taken by BNP Paribas against the Covered Person may be communicated to regulators, clients and others as applicable.
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H. | Required Reports of Securities Transactions, Holdings and Accounts |
1. Initial reporting of Reportable Accounts and Securities Holdings . Each Covered Person on behalf of themselves and their Related Persons shall make an initial report no later than ten days after becoming a Covered Person. This initial report must include the name of the broker, dealer or bank of the Reportable Account(s). Additionally, account numbers and individual holdings (including title and type of security, and as applicable the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, number of shares, and principal amount) must be provided for Reportable Securities. To cover this latter requirement, Covered Persons on behalf of themselves and their Related Persons must submit their last monthly account statements for all Reportable Accounts which include Reportable Securities.
2. Quarterly Reporting of Transactions and New Accounts . Each Covered Person on behalf of themselves and their Related Persons shall certify to their Reportable Transactions through Star no later than thirty days after the end of the calendar quarter. Covered Persons must provide Compliance with hardcopy account statements for non-Approved Brokers no later than thirty days after the end of the calendar quarter.
Covered Persons on behalf of themselves and their Related Persons must disclose any new Reportable Account with Reportable Securities established during each calendar quarter in Star. As explained above, any new Discretionary Accounts opened during any calendar quarter must be disclosed in Star along with providing a copy of the management agreement to Compliance.
3. Annual reporting of Reportable Accounts and Securities holdings . Covered Persons on behalf of themselves and their Related Persons shall disclose and certify all Reportable Accounts on an annual basis. This annual report must include the name of the broker, dealer or bank of the Reportable Accounts. Additionally, account numbers and individual holdings (including title and type of security, and as applicable the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, number of shares, and principal amount) must be provided for Reportable Securities. To cover the latter requirement, this information will be provided in Star Compliance. If the information is not in Star Compliance, physical account statements must be provided to Compliance.
4. Exceptions from Reporting and Preapproval Requirements. Reporting (initial, annual and quarterly reports) and pre-approval is not required with respect to:
§ | securities held and Transactions in Discretionary Accounts or any other account over which the Covered Person or Related Person has no direct or indirect influence or control, |
§ | automatic dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plans, |
§ | open-ended mutual fund only accounts held directly with a mutual fund company (for which the Firm will not trade a sub-advised fund as referenced in D.1(iii) above) |
§ | 529 Plans (for which the Firm does not trade a sub-advised fund as referenced in D.1(iii) above), or |
· | 401(k) plans that can only hold open-ended mutual funds (for which the Firm will not trade a sub-advised fund as referenced in D.1(iii) above). |
Pre-approval is not required with respect to:
· | involuntary transactions that result from a corporate action applicable to all similar security holders (such as splits, tender offers, mergers, stock dividends, etc.). However, if a Covered Person is asked to make an election in a corporate action, the transaction does require pre- approval. |
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Any Covered Person wishing to seek an exemption from the pre-approval requirement for a Transaction not covered by these exceptions that has similar characteristics should submit a request in writing to the Chief Compliance Officer or delegee.
VII. | RESPONSIBILITY FOR ADMINISTRATION OF THE CODE |
The Chief Compliance Officer shall be responsible for the administration of this Code and shall take all steps necessary to implement the provisions of the Code, including, but not limited to, the following:
A. | Review of Reports Filed. Reviewing all reports filed (manually or electronically) under the Code, determining whether all required reports have been filed and obtaining from Covered Persons copies of any overdue reports that have not yet been submitted. |
B. | Remedial Actions and Sanctions for Violations of the Code. Determining whether the conduct of a Covered Person has violated any provision of the Code and, after consultation with other members of management of the relevant Firm as necessary, deciding on the appropriate action to be taken in response to any such violation. |
C. | Notification of Reporting Obligation. Identifying all Covered Persons and informing such Covered Persons of their reporting obligations pursuant to this Code. |
All Covered Persons are required to report any suspected violations of the Code to the Chief Compliance Officer. The Compliance Department may waive any requirement of this Code in special circumstances, whether pursuant to a request or otherwise. All exceptions to or waivers of the policies in this Code will be documented and retained by the Compliance Department.
VIII. | RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS |
The Chief Compliance Officer or delegee shall preserve in an easily accessible place:
A. | A copy of this Code and any prior version that was in effect at any time within the past five years; |
B. | A list of all persons, currently or within the past five years, who are or were required to make reports pursuant to this Code or who are or were responsible for reviewing these reports; |
C. | A copy of each report made pursuant to this Code for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the report was made; |
D. | A record of any violation of this Code and any action taken thereon for five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the violation occurred; |
E. | A record of any decision to approve Transactions by Covered Persons in securities, Derivatives, or foreign exchange contracts requiring approval in accordance with this Code for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the approval decision was made; and |
F. | A copy of each annual certification report made pursuant to Rule 17j-1(c)(2)(ii) of the Investment Company Act for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the report was made. |
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The Chief Compliance Officer or delegee is responsible for maintaining records in a manner to safeguard their confidentiality. Each Covered Person’s records will be accessible only to the Covered Person, the Chief Compliance Officer or her delegee and senior management of the relevant Firm.
IX. | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |
Reportable Accounts:
1Q: | Must a Covered Person report the brokerage account of his or her spouse? |
1A: | Yes, a brokerage account owned by the held by the non-separated spouse or any other Related Person of the Covered Person must reported by the Covered Person. |
2Q: | Must a Covered Person report a 401(k) plan account that can hold only open-ended mutual funds? |
2A: | Yes. A non-BNP Paribas 401(k) plan is a Reportable Account and must be reported initially and on annual basis thereafter. Only the name of the broker, dealer or bank must be reported. Investments in BNP Paribas’ 401(k) plan need not be reported because BNP Paribas is already aware of these accounts. |
Only transactions in Reportable Securities are required to be reported on a quarterly basis. This excludes transactions in open-ended mutual funds (for which the Firm is not a sub-adviser) or other Exempt Securities are the only eligible investments.
3Q: | Must a Covered Person report accounts that can hold only Exempt Securities? |
3A: | Yes. An account in which any security is held for the Covered Person’s direct or indirect benefit must be reported initially and annually thereafter. |
Transactions in Exempt Securities are not required to be reported on a quarterly basis.
4Q: | Must a Covered Person report 529 plan accounts? |
4A: | Yes. An account in which any security is held for the Covered Person’s direct or indirect benefit must be reported initially and annually thereafter. |
Transactions in Exempt Securities and open-ended mutual funds (for which the Firm is not a sub-advisor) are not required to be reported on a quarterly basis.
5Q: | Must a Covered Person Report an UGMA/UTMA account held for the benefit of a minor? |
5A: | Yes, if a Covered Person or a Covered Person’s Related Person is the Custodian or beneficiary (i.e. the minor) in an UGMA/UTMA account and such account is a brokerage account, then the account must be reported. |
6Q: | Must a Covered Person Report a brokerage account if the only investments held in the account are mutual funds exempt from the Code’s pre-approval and reporting requirements? |
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6A: | Yes. A brokerage account is considered a Reportable Account regardless of whether the holdings in the account are reportable or subject to pre-approval requirements. If the brokerage account allows for the purchase of securities which require pre- approval under the code, the account is a Reportable Account. |
7Q: | Must a Covered Person report a variable annuity account? |
7A: | Yes. An account in which any security is held for the Covered Person’s direct or indirect benefit must be reported initially and annually thereafter. |
8Q: | Must Covered Persons report accounts held under the BNPP Discounted Share Purchase Plan (DSPP)? |
8A: | No. The DSPP is not considered a Reportable Account and need not be reported to Compliance. Participants in the DSPP should visit the plan website or consult Human Resources for more information concerning plan guidelines and requirements. |
Pre-Approval Requirements:
9Q: | Must a Covered Person report securities acquired through a gift or inheritance? |
9A: | Yes. A Covered Person must report any Transaction (including a purchase or other acquisition) in a security in which the person had any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership unless the Transaction is not subject to the reporting requirements. |
10Q: | May a Covered Person invest in funds managed by BNPP IP? |
10A: | Yes, subject to complying with the pre-approval requirement under Section VI. C. above, and the restriction on short-term trading under Section VI, paragraph F above. |
11Q: | Pre-approval is required for funds managed or sub-advised by the Firms . Do funds managed by non-US affiliates require pre-approval? |
11A: | Yes. Given that the Code exempts only US mutual funds, and not foreign funds, pre- approval would be required for such transactions in overseas funds managed by non- US affiliates. |
12Q: | Do ETF Transactions require pre-approval? |
12A: | Yes. Transactions in ETFs or ETNs require pre-approval. There are no exemptions, regardless of the legal structure of the ETF or ETN. |
13Q: | Do Transactions in closed-end funds require pre-approval? |
13A: | Yes, unlike mutual funds, Transactions in closed-end funds require pre-approval. |
14Q: | Do Transactions in stocks of large cap companies (e.g. stocks of issuers with greater than $5 billion in market capitalization) require pre-approval? |
14A: | Yes. Transactions in all stocks require pre-approval. There are no exemptions for large cap companies. |
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15Q: | Do Transactions in a small number of stock shares (e.g. less than 500 shares) require pre-approval? |
15A: | Yes. Transactions in any amount of shares of stocks require pre-approval. There are no de minimis exemptions for small amounts of shares. However, should a Covered Person’s brokerage account automatically liquidate fractional stock shares from an account, the automatic liquidation of fractional shares does not require pre-approval. |
16Q: | Do foreign exchange forwards require pre-approval? |
16A: | Yes. Foreign exchange forwards (greater than 48 hours) require pre-approval. A specific on-line Form is available within Star for these pre-approval requests. Contact Compliance for further instructions. |
17Q: | Do foreign exchange spot Transactions require pre-approval? |
17A: | No. |
18Q: | Do futures Transactions require pre-approval? |
18A: | Yes. Futures Transactions require pre-approval. A specific on-line form is available within Star for these pre-approval requests. Contact Compliance for further instructions. |
19Q: | Do Transactions made under the BNPP Discounted Share Purchase Plan require pre- approval? |
19A: | No. Transactions made under the BNPP Discounted Share Purchase Plan do not require pre-approval from Compliance. However, plan participants should visit the plan website or consult Human Resources for additional information concerning transaction requirements under the plan. |
Holding Period Requirements:
20Q: | Are Covered Persons subject to a holding period requirement? |
20A: | Yes. Transactions which require pre-approval are subject to a 30 day holding period. |
Please see Section VI. F. and the table below for specific requirements.
21Q: | Are any securities Transactions exempt from the 30 day holding period requirement? |
21A: | Yes. This requirement is waived for all Exempt Transactions, single security options, single security futures, index futures, index options and short positions. Please see Section VI. F. and the table below for specific requirements and exemptions. |
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X. | Overview of Personal Trading Requirements |
Security Type: |
Holdings Reports
Required (Initial and Annual) |
Quarterly
Reporting Required |
Pre-Approval
Required |
Holdings Period
Requirement |
Equity Securities | Y | Y | Y | 30 days |
Fixed Income Securities (other than U.S. Treasury securities) | Y | Y | Y | 30 days |
US Treasury Securities | N | N | N | None |
Broker, Dealer or Bank Accounts which only hold US Treasuries | Y | N | N | None |
IPOs and Limited Offerings/Private Placements | Y | Y | Y | 30 days |
BNP Paribas DSPP Shares (purchases) | N | N | N | Subject to DSPP rules |
Limited Offerings (e.g., Hedge Funds) | Y | Y | Y | 30 days |
Options and Futures on Single Equity Securities | Y | Y | Y | None |
Index Futures and Index Options | Y | Y | Y | None |
Spot Currency Transactions (less than 48 hrs) | N | N | N | None |
Forward Currency Contracts | Y | Y | Y | 30 days |
Commodities Contracts | Y | Y | Y | 30 days |
Physical Commodities (e.g. precious metals in bullion or coin form) | N | N | N | None |
Exchange-traded Funds | Y | Y | Y | 30 days |
Closed-end Funds | Y | Y | Y | 30 days |
Mutual Funds Advised or Sub- Advised by BNPP IP | Y | Y | Y | 30 days |
Mutual Funds Advised by Third Party Managers | N | N | N | None |
Broker, Dealer or Bank Accounts which only hold mutual funds (sub-advised or not sub-advised by BNPP IP) | Y | N | N | None |
Bank Certificates of Deposit, Commercial Paper and High Quality, Short-Term Debt Instruments, including Repurchase Agreements, Obligations of the US Government | N | N | N | None |
Broker, Dealer or Bank Accounts which only hold Bank Certificates of Deposit, | Y | N | N | None |
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Commercial Paper and High Quality, Short-Term Debt Instruments, including Repurchase Agreements, Obligations of the US Government | ||||
Transactions in Discretionary Accounts | N | N | N | None |
Variable Annuity Accounts | Y | N | N | None |
Corporate Action Transactions (involuntary) | N | N | N | None |
Corporate Action Transactions (voluntary) | Y | Y | Y | None |
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B. CONTINUING E DUCATION AND TRAINING
Each Firm will provide opportunities for appropriate industry and professional continuing education and training for its employees. All employees are required to take the most current on-line annual training courses upon hire, and annually thereafter, which among other topics may address anti-money laundering, financial security and embargoes. Despite the fact that no Firm’s activities involve directly the “handling” of transactions that may involve money laundering, it is important for all employees of financial organizations which serve clients to be knowledgeable of the contents and vigilant in the implementation of sound anti- money laundering policies.
The Firms may engage external service providers to provide such continuing education and training and may also rely on internal resources and seminars. Employees are strongly encouraged to satisfy certain minimum annual continuing education and training requirements. The Chief Compliance Officer will on an annual basis circulate a Firm-wide memorandum encouraging employees to participate in continuing education and training opportunities. All employees are to target 15 hours of continuing education per annum. Continuing education can include, but is not limited to:
· | Internal product and/or compliance training sessions |
· | On-line Training through third party vendors or other BNP Paribas applications |
· | Conferences and industry seminars/webinars |
· | Regulatory meetings |
· | CFA, CPA and other professional licensing classes |
Employees may be required to complete a periodic certification within Star to document their continuing education attendance.
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